Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal backs One Nation, One Election Bill, stressing synchronised polls as key to stability, cost reduction, stronger democracy, and efficient governance in India.
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NEW DELHI: Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal has strongly reiterated the government’s commitment to implementing the ambitious ‘One Nation, One Election’ reform, emphasizing its potential to strengthen democracy, bring structural stability, and significantly reduce the financial and administrative burden caused by frequent elections.
Speaking at a discussion organized by Lawyer’s Voice at the Delhi High Court, the Law Minister explained in detail how the system could be rolled out and the transformative impact it could have on governance and the economy.
He said that,
“The proposed reform would provide greater structural stability to the electoral process, strengthen democracy, and significantly reduce administrative and financial burdens caused by frequent elections.”
‘Synchronizing Elections’: The Proposed Mechanism
The Minister clarified that the government plans to synchronize elections to all State Legislative Assemblies with the Lok Sabha polls.
- When the new Lok Sabha is elected in 2029, a fixed commencement date will be set.
- Its term will continue till 2034, establishing a five-year cycle.
- Any State Assembly election held in the interim would only run till 2034, aligning with the Lok Sabha cycle.
For instance, if the Uttar Pradesh Assembly election is due in 2032, the tenure of that Assembly will end in 2034 to match the Lok Sabha’s term. This one-time adjustment, Meghwal said, would pave the way for uniform electoral cycles across India.
Rejecting the criticism raised by opposition parties, Meghwal described objections to the reform as politically motivated and without substance. He underlined that the reform is meant to serve the larger democratic interest, ensuring efficiency, stability, and fairness in the electoral process.
He drew attention to his experience as a district collector. Meghwal highlighted how frequent elections disrupt governance.
- The Model Code of Conduct halts developmental work and routine administration.
- Huge deployment of teachers, government staff, and paramilitary forces disturbs essential services.
- Repeated election cycles drain resources and impact productivity.
By holding elections simultaneously, he argued, India can reduce interruptions in governance and ensure smoother functioning of institutions.
Economic Impact
On the economic front, the Minister asserted that implementing One Nation, One Election could provide a 1.5% boost to India’s GDP. Such gains, he said, would support the country’s ambition to emerge as the world’s third-largest economy.
The Minister also cited extensive consultations and feedback received on the proposal:
- The High-Powered Committee on One Nation, One Election received over 21,500 responses, with 80% support for the idea.
- Out of 47 political parties, 32 expressed agreement.
- Former Chief Justices of India, ex-Chief Election Commissioners, and several State Election Officers also endorsed the reform.
He concluded,
“The objective is not only administrative convenience but also democratic necessity, which will ensure stability, efficiency, and economic progress.”
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