CM Sai Backs ‘One Nation, One Election’ for Cost Efficiency, Singhdeo Calls It Unrealistic

Raipur
The nationwide debate on ‘One Nation, One Election’ has intensified, with political figures in Chhattisgarh joining the conversation. On Thursday, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnudeo Sai endorsed the idea, praising it as a move that would save significant costs and enhance governance. However, former Deputy Chief Minister T.S. Singhdeo opposed the initiative, terming it impractical.
Speaking to the media, CM Sai highlighted the potential benefits of conducting simultaneous Lok Sabha and Assembly elections. He pointed out that holding elections at different times often leads to the imposition of the Model Code of Conduct, which temporarily halts development projects. Sai argued that synchronized elections would avoid such disruptions and save both time and money, benefiting the country and the state.

In contrast, Singhdeo expressed skepticism, deeming the proposal unworkable. He raised concerns about how governance would be managed if a government collapses before completing its five-year term. He questioned how states would be governed if their assemblies are dissolved mid-term, yet the next elections are scheduled only after five years.

The Union Cabinet recently approved the ‘One Nation, One Election’ proposal, which will be tabled in Parliament during the winter session in late 2024. Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw explained that elections would be held in two phases—first for the Lok Sabha and all state assemblies, followed by local body elections. Provisions will be made for any early dissolution of assemblies, allowing elections for the remainder of the term.

The concept aims to reinstate the practice of synchronized elections that existed in India from 1952 to 1967. However, early dissolutions of state assemblies and the Lok Sabha in the late 1960s and early 1970s led to the discontinuation of simultaneous elections, which this proposal seeks to revive.