On Monday, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman addressed the pressing issue of expenditure on multiple elections in India at the News18 India Chaupal event held in New Delhi. She shared insights from recent consultations on the concept of ‘One Nation, One Election,’ indicating that there is a broad consensus among the public about the need to address the significant financial burden posed by frequent electoral processes.
The Concept of ‘One Nation, One Election’
The ‘One Nation, One Election’ initiative aims to synchronize the timing of Lok Sabha (the lower house of India’s Parliament) and State Assembly elections. Currently, these elections are held at staggered intervals, which not only prolongs the electoral process but also diverts resources from essential development projects. The Finance Minister emphasized that halting developmental activities due to the model code of conduct during elections is an issue that needs urgent addressing.
A Financial Burden
According to the Finance Minister, the general public acknowledges that the costs associated with holding multiple elections are excessive. This view aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s stance, recently reiterated during his Independence Day speech, where he argued that the current electoral system hampers India’s progress. He pointed out that the recurring election cycles lead to a wastage of resources, adversely affecting governance.
Political Implications
The ‘One Nation, One Election’ proposal stands as a significant promise made by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in its manifesto ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. With India facing elections every five years for Lok Sabha and at different times for state assemblies, achieving a more streamlined electoral process could lead to considerable savings and improved governance.
Commitment from Leadership
Prime Minister Modi’s strong advocacy for the ‘one nation, one election’ concept was highlighted during his address from the Red Fort, where he called on the nation to embrace this reform for the betterment of governance and resource allocation.
Addressing Opposition Concerns
When confronted with opposition demands for a caste-based census, Sitharaman responded by emphasizing the government’s focus on development over caste-related policies. She pointed out that during the interim budget, the government had prioritized four key groups: women, youth, and farmers. This approach highlights the administration’s intent to steer clear of caste-based politics, instead concentrating on inclusivity and equitable development.
Data-Driven Policies
Currently, the absence of updated data presents a challenge, as government policies rely on the 2011 census data. Political parties are actively pushing for a caste census, emphasizing the need for fresh data to form effective policies and allocate subsidies appropriately. However, the government’s priority remains on broad developmental strategies rather than divisive census data.
Conclusion
The discussions surrounding ‘One Nation, One Election’ reflect a larger dialogue on governance, resource management, and fiscal responsibility in India. As the government pushes for this significant electoral reform, it faces the challenge of balancing developmental needs with the various demands of political representation and social equity.
