Bengaluru, Jun 8 (UNI) Union Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Sunday launched a scathing critique of India’s fragmented electoral calendar, accusing opposition parties —implicitly targeting the Congress —of politicising even national security issues, like Operation Sindoor, for electoral gains.
"At a time when our brave soldiers strike against enemies, there are those who raise doubts and seek political mileage," Chouhan said at a public address on One Nation One Election here. “This is not just unfortunate — it is a tragedy born from the relentless cycle of elections.”
Calling for a constitutional amendment to synchronise Lok Sabha and State Assembly elections, the former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister urged citizens, civil society, students, and media influencers to begin a nationwide movement for One Nation, One Election.
“Let this campaign begin from the land of Bengaluru,” he said, evoking applause.
Chouhan argued that holding elections every six months paralyses governance, derails development, and consumes the energy of the entire administrative machinery.
“When elections are announced, the Model Code of Conduct kicks in. Teachers, ASHA workers, and collectors are pulled off their regular duties to prepare voter lists. Officers are sent as observers across states. Law and order, policymaking, and public welfare all take a backseat.”
The Minister detailed his own recent experience: “Just four months after Assembly elections in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh, we had Lok Sabha elections. I had only just taken charge of my Union Ministry when I received a letter from the party assigning me to Jharkhand for the upcoming election. I had to leave everything and head to the campaign.”
He also highlighted the economic burden. “The Election Commission is spending from Rs 4 lakh to Rs 7 lakh crore per cycle. Political parties, independents, and industrial houses incur additional costs. Informal, untracked expenses are ballooning. Why waste so much national wealth on repetitive elections?”
Chouhan proposed a simple solution: “Hold both elections together. One banner, one van, one rally — the MP and MLA candidates can campaign side by side. One polling booth, two buttons. Why not?”
Addressing concerns that simultaneous elections may blur the distinction between state and central issues, Chouhan said Indian voters have shown maturity.
“In Odisha, they chose BJP for Parliament and BJD for Assembly. In Delhi, they gave BJP 7 out of 7 Lok Sabha seats, and AAP a landslide in the Assembly. Voters are wise — they can make separate decisions.”
He warned that constant elections prevent governments from taking bold, long-term decisions. “Reform is postponed because someone may get offended. National interest suffers. Even decisions on national security are dragged into political debate.”
Chouhan called this a “systemic crisis” that needs public intervention. “This is not just the government’s responsibility. Students, professors, social media voices — all must join in.”
Proposing a five-year cycle with 4.5 years of uninterrupted governance and six months dedicated to elections, he said: “Let us lift India out of this loop. Let elected governments work without fear. Let the nation move forward.”
In a passionate conclusion, Chouhan led the audience in a slogan: "One Nation! One Election!” UNI BDN SSP