One Nation One Election Good for Democracy

JPC chairman P.P. Chaudhary says One Nation One Election is achievable, benefiting economy, democracy, and voter turnout significantly.

- P.P. Chaudhary

P.P. Chaudhary, Chairman of the Joint Parliamentary Committee formed for One Nation One Election, says that One Nation One Election is an issue of national interest. Therefore, all members of the committee are working with transparency, rising above party lines. Here are the excerpts from the conversation:

Q: Is One Nation One Election possible in the Nation?

A: Absolutely possible. Simultaneous elections have been held in the Nation earlier as well. After independence, from 1952 to 1967, four general elections and state elections were held simultaneously. Demands and efforts have been made earlier to hold simultaneous elections. Previous governments have also made such efforts. Niti Aayog, the Law Commission, Election Commission, and Parliament's Standing Committee on Law have always said that the Nation will gain huge economic benefits if all elections are held simultaneously. According to estimates, the Nation will have a direct benefit of more than five lakh crores by holding simultaneous elections.

Now, elections keep happening throughout the five years. Their effect is most felt by the common man. Children's education is affected. People in government jobs and industrial production are also affected. Foreign investment is impacted by frequent elections because investors feel their work is disrupted. This causes a huge economic loss to the Nation and the states. Now, tell me, why should elections not be held simultaneously?