Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, Apr 22: Member of Parliament and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Anurag Thakur today said that the ‘One Nation, One Election’ (ONOE) initiative would be a win-win situation and could potentially increase the country’s GDP by 1.5% by reducing expenses.
While noting that the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) is currently holding detailed deliberations on the matter, Thakur, who was speaking to reporters here, said that ONOE is in the country’s interest and is likely to boost voter turnout.
“We have proposed the One Nation, One Election model, which could save Rs 1.5 lakh crore during Lok Sabha elections alone. It will also save time and potentially increase the GDP by 1.5%. For the country, it’s a win-win situation,” he said.
He pointed out that currently, five assembly elections are held every year, and if elections are conducted simultaneously, expenses will be reduced, time will be saved, and voter turnout is likely to increase.
“Both candidates and political parties will incur fewer expenses. Overall, the country will save money,” he added.
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The BJP leader, who is also a former Union Minister, said that Lok Sabha elections were held in 2024, and a few months prior to that, elections took place in Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan.
“After the Lok Sabha elections, polls were conducted in Jammu and Kashmir, Jharkhand, Maharashtra, and Delhi,” he said, highlighting that under the ONOE model, all these elections could be held simultaneously.
“Government officials involved in the election process will be able to focus on their core duties. The Model Code of Conduct slows down governance, affecting work for 45 to 90 days before and after elections. ONOE will address this,” he said.
Thakur added that if implemented in 2029, all elections would be held at the same time. In the event of a government falling in 2031, elections would be held only for the unexpired term, lasting until 2034.
“People will benefit from more stable governance,” he said.
He further explained that for states like Himachal Pradesh, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, and Punjab, where elections are due in 2027, the elected governments would serve shorter, two-year terms to align with the 2029 schedule.
“The proposals aim to synchronize state and Lok Sabha elections for the betterment of the country,” he said.
On the issue of restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir, Thakur said: “The government has promised statehood, and it will be delivered.”
Responding to a question on the rise in terrorism in the Jammu division, Thakur emphasized the BJP’s zero-tolerance policy towards terrorism.
“Strict action is being taken across the country against Naxals and terrorists. Many have been arrested or killed, and several have surrendered,” he said.
He added that there is a sense of relief in Kashmir, and even if attempts are made in Jammu, the security forces are responding firmly.
On allegations of pressuring the Supreme Court, Thakur said: “On Article 370, triple talaq, the Ram Mandir, and the CAA, the Congress and opposition tried to create fear. However, the Supreme Court has upheld the government’s position.”
Contrary to the opposition’s claims, Thakur stated that in Jammu and Kashmir, tourism has increased, and there has been notable development and investment.
“The abolition of triple talaq has benefited Muslim women. The CAA has not taken away anyone’s citizenship,” he said, adding that the opposition has been spreading lies.
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