If everything progresses as planned, simultaneous elections could be implemented across India by 2034. The 'one nation, one poll' reform is not an imposition but a democratic initiative aimed at national development, said Tamil Nadu BJP president K. Annamalai, in Bengaluru on Friday.
The former Karnataka cadre IPS officer, while speaking at a seminar, highlighted that 16 political parties supported the ONOP proposal in 2019, while only three, including the Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI-M), opposed it.
"NITI Aayog and the Law Commission have favoured the idea and committee led by former president Ram Nath Kovind has already submitted a report on its feasibility. The proposal is now under review by a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC). If all goes well, the country try will see a unified elections by 2034," said Annamalai, adding that unified elections could bring both economic and political stability for India’s future.
It was a pleasure to throw insights on the topic “Youths for One Nation One Election” among the scintillating young students of Jain University, in Bengaluru today along with eminent guests Thiru Jitendra Mishra avl, Registrar, Jain University, Thiru @CKRBJP avl, Jayanagar MLA,… pic.twitter.com/Hl9G9fWBvF
— K.Annamalai (@annamalai_k) March 14, 2025
Advocating for a single election, he said it would boost GDP, increase voter participation, and create a more sustainable democratic system as it reduced government expenditure to free up funds for developmental activities.
"The common election would compel the regional parties to think about national issues and the national parties to focus on regional concerns. A single election cycle encourages higher voter turnout, particularly among young voters, as it helps combat voter apathy and creates a more engaged and responsible electorate," said Annamalai, urging the youth to take a more active role in the democratic process.
Stating that India’s staggered election process was resulting in a prolonged electoral cycle, Annamalai noted that election-related activities, including the Model Code of Conduct (MCC), voter list preparation, and security deployment, consumed significant administrative resources.
"States lose at least 7.5 months due to election-related processes. A single election can help save up to ₹4.5 lakh crore and contribute significantly to India's GDP. By cutting election costs, more funds could be allocated for infrastructure and public welfare projects," Annamalai said, citing the data from the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, where candidates had collectively spent ₹1.74 lakh crore.
Annamalai recalled that simultaneous elections were not new and were held in 1952, 1957, 1962, and 1967. However, political instability in the 1970s, including the dissolution of the Lok Sabha in 1970 and the imposition of President’s Rule in Kerala, had disrupted this practice. He also pointed out that during the Emergency period, several non-Congress governments were dismissed.
