"It was PM Modi's vision": Haryana CM Saini on 'One Nation, One Election' bill

CM Saini alleged that public funds had previously been misused during elections.

Speaking to reporters, CM Saini said, "It was Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision. He proposed that elections should be conducted under the 'One Nation, One Election' framework. Previously, public money was misused during elections. Frequent elections, held every 3-4 months, also hampered the pace of development as the Model Code of Conduct would come into effect repeatedly. I welcome this decision as it will reduce the financial burden on the exchequer."

On Thursday, the Union Cabinet approved the 'One Nation, One Election' bill, paving the way for its introduction in Parliament. This approval marks a significant step towards implementing simultaneous elections across the country, with a comprehensive bill expected to be tabled soon.

Earlier, on Wednesday, former President of India Ram Nath Kovind emphasised the need for consensus on the initiative, stating that it transcends political interests and benefits the nation as a whole. Kovind, who chairs the committee on the matter, highlighted its potential economic advantages.

"The Central government will have to build consensus. This is not about any party's interest but about the nation's welfare. Economists believe that implementing 'One Nation, One Election' could boost the country's GDP by 1-1.5 per cent," Kovind told the media.

In September, the Union Cabinet approved a proposal to conduct simultaneous Lok Sabha, Assembly, urban body, and panchayat elections within a span of 100 days. The recommendations were outlined in a report by a high-level panel chaired by Kovind.

Following the Cabinet's approval, Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded the decision as a milestone in strengthening Indian democracy.

"The Cabinet has accepted the recommendations of the High-Level Committee on Simultaneous Elections. I commend former President Shri Ram Nath Kovind Ji for leading this effort and consulting a broad spectrum of stakeholders. This is a significant step towards making our democracy more vibrant and participative," PM Modi posted on X. (ANI)