*‘One Nation, One Election’ initiative is part of a long-term reform plan, with simultaneous elections not expected until after 2034*
Chennai: Union Finance and Corporate Affairs Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has dismissed the possibility of implementing the ‘One Nation, One Election’ proposal during the ongoing electoral term, refuting claims made by opposition parties. Speaking at SRM University in Kattankulathur, Tamil Nadu, on Saturday, Sitharaman addressed what she called “false propaganda” surrounding the issue, emphasizing that the proposal is not set for immediate rollout.
The minister clarified that the idea of simultaneous elections has been discussed for decades, long before the current Modi administration. “This concept has been around since the 1960s and was not introduced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi,” she stated, urging critics to evaluate the proposal on its own merits, rather than dismissing it for political reasons.
Sitharaman highlighted potential economic benefits from conducting simultaneous national and state elections, noting that it could boost the country’s GDP by 1.5%, contributing approximately Rs 4.50 lakh crore to the economy. She explained that the cost of the 2019 Lok Sabha elections was around Rs 1 lakh crore, and a unified election calendar could significantly reduce these expenses.
However, the Finance Minister made it clear that the ‘One Nation, One Election’ initiative is part of a long-term reform plan, with simultaneous elections not expected until after 2034. She emphasized that the groundwork is being laid for the reform, and it will be up to the then-President to provide assent.
Sitharaman also took aim at the opposition, suggesting that resistance to the proposal was driven by political motives rather than principled opposition. “Instead of opposing it without cause, if supported for its benefits, this reform would help move the country forward,” she argued.
In an additional commentary, Sitharaman referenced the legacy of the late DMK leader M. Karunanidhi, who had supported the ‘One Nation, One Election’ concept, contrasting it with the current stance of his son, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. K. Stalin, who opposes it.
Concluding her address, Sitharaman emphasized that the initiative is a governance reform aimed at improving efficiency and long-term policymaking, and not a political agenda or “pet project.”
