Prez hails govt's simultaneous polls plan in R-Day eve address

The 'ONOE' plan can promote consistency in governance, prevent policy paralysis, mitigate resource diversion, and reduce the financial burden... DROUPADI MURMU, President

- HT Correspondent

NEW DELHI: President Droupadi Murmu hailed the government's ambitious plan of One Nation, One Election or simultaneous polls in her speech on the eve of Republic Day and said that it "promises to redefine the terms of good governance" among other benefits.

"Another measure that promises to redefine the terms of good governance is the bill introduced in Parliament to synchronise election schedules in the country. The 'One Nation One Election' plan can promote consistency in governance, prevent policy paralysis, mitigate resource diversion, and reduce the financial burden, apart from offering many other benefits," Murmu said, addressing the nation on the eve of Republic Day.

The President's support for the Constitution (amendment) bill comes at a crucial time when the legislation, which was introduced in the Lok Sabha on December 17 along with a similar bill for UTs, faces an in-depth review in the joint committee with the entire Opposition group not in favour of the law.

The Constitution amendment bill will also test the NDA's ability to push key reforms as it doesn't have the requisite numbers in both Houses to push such amendments.

Murmu's historic speech when the country is celebrating 75 years of its Constitution, tried to trace India's development trajectory, with focus on the recent years. She mentioned that the country got freedom in 1947 but many relics of colonial mindset are now being changed.