Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma: 'We fully support One Nation, One Election'

The Union Cabinet's recent approval of the 'One Nation, One Election' bill marks a potentially transformative moment in India's electoral landscape, with key political figures rallying behind the proposed reform.

 

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma emerged as a vocal supporter of the initiative, highlighting its potential to streamline development efforts. "This should happen... Like simultaneous elections were held in Odisha. When Assembly and Lok Sabha elections are not held together, development work stops," Sarma told reporters, echoing a sentiment shared by proponents of the unified election model.

 

'That is why the Prime Minister wants this to happen. We fully support 'One Nation, One Election'," he said. "It has to be passed in the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha with a two-thirds majority, and the Prime Minister will definitely make it happen," he further added.

 

The proposed legislation aims to synchronise elections across national, state, and local levels, potentially reducing the extensive electoral cycles that currently disrupt governance and economic activities.

 

Former President Ram Nath Kovind, who chairs the committee investigating the proposal, emphasised the national significance of the reform. "This issue is not in the interest of any particular party but the nation," Kovind stated, suggesting that the initiative could provide substantial economic benefits.

 

Economists backing the proposal estimate that implementing 'One Nation, One Election' could potentially boost the country's GDP by 1-1.5 per cent, presenting a compelling economic argument beyond political considerations.

 

The comprehensive bill, expected to be introduced soon, will require passage in both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha with a two-thirds majority. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been a key proponent of the concept, with Sarma confidently asserting that "the Prime Minister will definitely make it happen."

 

The proposed reform would consolidate elections for the Lok Sabha, state assemblies, urban bodies, and panchayats within a 100-day window, potentially reducing the massive logistical and financial burden of staggered elections.