The proposal of “One Nation, One Election” is centred on the idea of aligning Lok Sabha elections with all state assembly elections to create a synchronised electoral cycle. This system aims to minimise the frequency of elections across the country, which in turn would help in reducing administrative expenses and limiting the disruptions that staggered polling schedules usually cause. By merging the timelines of national and state elections, the government hopes to make the democratic process smoother, more efficient, and less costly.
Union Minister Piyush Goyal, while speaking on this subject, called for the adoption of a unified electoral framework that is popularly known as One Nation, One Election. He argued that repeated rounds of voting leave the people fatigued and disinterested, thereby affecting participation. According to him, the proposed system could not only reduce the burden of recurring elections but also improve governance by allowing governments to focus on policy implementation rather than continuous campaigning. Additionally, he emphasised that it would lead to substantial financial savings for the exchequer and encourage higher voter turnout.
During the Entrepreneurs & Traders Leadership Summit in New Delhi, Goyal underlined the issue of voter fatigue that arises from staggered elections. He pointed out that citizens often grow weary of frequent voting and that such repeated exercises also interrupt the functioning of governments. He noted that when the Model Code of Conduct is enforced, many routine administrative tasks come to a halt, delaying developmental work. To support his argument, he cited the example of states like Andhra Pradesh and Odisha, where elections for the Lok Sabha and the state assemblies are held simultaneously, and observed that voter turnout in those regions is generally higher.
In his address, Goyal urged stakeholders to take collective action in promoting this reform. He called upon organisations ranging from the district to the state level to come together and establish an all-India action committee that would work in favour of synchronised elections. At the same time, he encouraged members of the business community to actively support the idea, stating that their involvement could influence wider public opinion. Stressing the importance of unity, he said that it was time to rise above differences of caste, language, and regional identity to work towards the larger good of the country.
However, Goyal also acknowledged that implementing such a large-scale reform would not be easy. Estimates suggest that nearly 18 different amendments would have to be made to existing laws, including around 15 Constitutional amendments. These would affect key Articles of the Constitution dealing with the tenure and dissolution of legislatures, the process of delimitation of constituencies, the use of presidential rule, and the authority of the Election Commission of India. In other words, the legal and constitutional changes required for One Nation, One Election are extensive and complex.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has been projecting the proposal as a reform that would bring efficiency, save costs, and enable better governance. However, the Opposition has consistently opposed it, arguing that it poses a threat to India’s federal structure and democratic spirit. Several Opposition parties have described the proposal as “draconian” and “unconstitutional,” claiming that it would undermine the autonomy of states and concentrate too much power at the central level.
In his speech, Goyal also connected the idea of One Nation, One Election with the broader economic and national vision articulated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He said that this initiative complements programmes like “Vocal for Local” and other priorities highlighted by the Prime Minister in his Independence Day address. By aligning electoral reforms with these larger campaigns, the government is trying to present the proposal as part of a comprehensive national strategy.
The discussion around this issue has drawn attention from both political and business leaders. Goyal’s appeal reflects the ruling alliance’s effort to mobilise support among influential groups while also shaping public opinion in favour of the reform. However, despite the government’s strong push, the path to achieving synchronised elections remains uncertain, given the constitutional hurdles and the determined resistance from the Opposition. For now, it appears to be a long and contested process.
Alongside his remarks on electoral reforms, Goyal also praised the Election Commission for its Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter rolls in Bihar. He noted that this process was vital for protecting the integrity of elections by ensuring that only genuine citizens are included in the rolls and that non-citizens or “intruders” are excluded. At the same time, he stressed that no eligible voter should be left out during this verification exercise.
The government has proposed extending such voter roll revision exercises across the country. However, this too has become a matter of dispute between the Centre and the Opposition. While the government insists that the SIR is essential for maintaining transparency and authenticity in elections, Opposition parties accuse the government of using it as a tool to disenfranchise certain groups of voters for political advantage. This has turned the SIR initiative into another contentious issue in the larger debate over electoral reforms.
