Simultaneous polls in national interest, getting support from all segments: Shivraj

As part of the BJP’s campaign to create a public opinion in favour of ‘One Nation One Election’, Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Saturday addressed a special seminar in Delhi and batted for the electoral reform.

Chouhan described ONOE as a step that was taking the shape of a people’s movement. He said, “Constant elections are the biggest hurdles in the development journey of the country. This is why all segments of society — from youngsters to industries — are coming forward to demand simultaneous polls.

He further said that all election-related conflicts would end if polls were held at the same time. “Simultaneous elections are in national interest. Progress will not be impaired and long-term decisions can be taken once we have elections at the same time,” he added.

“Today, schools cannot function properly because teachers are busy with election duties round the year. Once ‘one nation one election’ policy comes through, that will not happen. Also the police and security agencies will be able to handle law and order better,” stated the BJP leader.

Currently the ONOE plan is under scrutiny of a joint parliamentary committee, which is engaging legal experts on the reform.