New Delhi [India], December 17 : Spiritual leader and founder of The Art of Living, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar on Tuesday supported the 'One Nation One Election' Bill which was introduced on Tuesday saying that by holding simultaneous elections, leaders can focus on development and governance instead of constantly campaigning.
Speaking to ANI, Shankar called the 'One Nation One Election' Bill the most logical and beneficial solution for the country adding that it does not undermine democracy but rather strengthens it.
"Election is the very soul of any democracy. The freedom to criticize, engage in rhetoric, and even resort to mudslinging is an inherent part of the electoral process. Such practices, though contentious, can contribute to a healthy and informed democracy. However, to ensure the effective functioning of governance, election campaigns must be confined within a specific timeframe," he said.
The spiritual leader said that frequent elections can hinder the effectiveness of elected representatives, as they spend a substantial amount of time campaigning instead of focusing on developmental work.
"When elections occur repeatedly, elected representatives spend a significant portion of their term campaigning rather than focusing on developmental work. Members of Parliament, Members of Legislative Assemblies, Councillors, and grassroots representatives shoulder immense responsibilities for their constituencies, including managing budgets, resources, and implementing projects within a fixed timeframe," he said.
"However, the preparation and campaigning for elections take months and the recurring burden of defending themselves or their parties leaves little time for meaningful work for the people and society. Besides, the whole grind of the elections is exhausting for the candidates and their teams, both physically and financially. After elections, campaigners also require time to recover from the gruelling process, further delaying productive governance," he added.
Highlighting the economic burden caused due to election campaigns, Shankar said that if the candidates and governments could focus more on developmental work without the recurring burden of campaigning, it would lead to more effective governance and economic stability.
"Frequent elections impose a significant financial strain on the nation and taxpayers. The costs of organizing elections repeatedly, alongside campaign expenses borne by candidates and their teams, are enormous. This creates a gross national waste of resources and energy. If candidates and governments could focus more on welfare and developmental work without the recurring burden of campaigning, it would lead to more effective governance and economic stability," he said.
The spiritual leader said that repeated elections erode public faith in the politicians and government as they are forced to make new promises, offer economic freebies and carve out populist policies aimed solely at attracting votes.
"Repeated elections force candidates to continually make new and impractical promises, offer economic freebies and carve out populist policies aimed solely at attracting votes. This erodes public faith in politicians, leading to a decline in the respect and dignity leaders once commanded. Voters begin to perceive politicians as only appearing during elections, further damaging trust. Such short-term measures compromise long-term development and lead to fiscal instability. This trend Is unsustainable and detrimental to a nation striving for prosperity," he said.
Emphasising the divisive impact on society due to repeated elections, Shankar said, "Frequent elections also perpetuate division at the grassroots level. Campaign rhetoric, mudslinging, and negative propaganda often foster animosity among communities. This divisiveness disrupts social harmony and weakens the unity essential for building progressive societies."
The spiritual leader said that the 'One Nation One Election' Bill could pave the way for a more efficient and prosperous India by ensuring accountability, reducing wastage of resources, and fostering trust in leadership.
"Considering these challenges, the adoption of 'One Nation, One Election' emerges as the most logical and beneficial solution for India. It does not undermine democracy; rather, it strengthens it. With a single, synchronised election, leaders will have ample time to focus on developmental issues and fulfil their mandates rather than being perpetually engaged in electoral activities. At the same time, it will also encourage voters to make informed choices. By ensuring accountability, reducing the wastage of resources, and fostering trust in leadership, this approach can pave the way for a more efficient and prosperous India," he said.
The Constitution (One Hundred and Twenty-Ninth Amendment) Bill, 2024' and 'The Union Territories Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2024' was formally introduced in Lok Sabha after members voted on it. The bill proposes a 'One Nation One Election' or simultaneous elections to both Lok Sabha and state assemblies. The bill will be sent to a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) for detailed discussions.