ONOE: Challenging yet beneficial!

After independence, four Lok Sabha and Assembly polls were held simultaneously, so why not now?

- DR VIJAY DARDA

This might sound strange, but it's a fact that we journalists are almost always occupied with election coverage. As one state's Assembly elections conclude, another state's polls begin. After that, local body elections start. Statistically, from the first election to 2023, India has seen an average of six elections annually. Let us exclude the first four elections -- 1951-52, 1957, 1962 and 1967 -- as Lok Sabha and Assembly elections were held simultaneously at the time.

You are aware that with every election, the model code of conduct comes into force, which brings implementation of key administrative decisions to a halt. However, have you ever taken into account the significant economic and developmental costs that this recurrent disruption imposes on the nation? As someone who has experience both as a journalist and a politician, I have had the opportunity to closely analyse the electoral process and its impact on governance. Based on this observation, I firmly believe that it is high time for all political parties, regardless of their ideological leanings, to engage in serious deliberation and reach a consensus on the concept of 'One Nation, One Election' (ONOE).

While regional parties may have their own perspectives and challenges over this proposal, we must agree that the country's welfare is far more critical than political interests.