New Delhi [India], December 17 : Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Tuesday welcomed the 'One Nation, One Election' Bill, saying that frequent elections hinder the country's development and prevent governments from making long-term decisions.
He expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for introducing the "One Nation, One Election" Bill, calling it a revolutionary move.
"I thank PM Modi for taking this revolutionary decision. The continuous cycle of elections hampers the development of the country and public welfare projects, while also preventing governments from making long-term decisions," the Union Minister said.
Chouhan stressed that national political parties spend most of their time preparing for elections, leaving little time for governance.
"The national political parties in our country are occupied with elections for 12 months a year, throughout the five-year term. The PM, Union Ministers, MLAs, MPs, and workers are always in the election field. For example, I am the Agriculture Minister, but I have to stop my work and campaign in other states as a party worker. New developmental projects cannot be announced because the Model Code of Conduct is imposed. Officials are also engaged in election administration. The biggest drawback is that long-term planning becomes impossible. Elections were held simultaneously until 1966, but Congress stopped it for its political interests," Chouhan said.
Criticising the Opposition for calling the 'One Nation, One Election' Bill "unconstitutional," the Union Minister accused them of opposing it for political gains.
"How is it undemocratic? The bill has been introduced in the Lok Sabha. There will be a discussion, and it has been sent to the JPC. The Parliament has the right to amend the Constitution. They are opposing it for political interests. I appeal to Congress and all Opposition parties to support 'One Nation, One Election' in the national interest," he said.
Chouhan also criticised Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra for carrying tote bags with messages urging the government to ensure justice for minorities in Bangladesh, accusing Congress of indulging in political theatrics.
"Then why did they oppose the CAA? Why did they not remember the (Bangladeshi) minorities then? It is Congress's nature to indulge in drama for political gains. They say one thing and do another, but the people see the truth," he said.
Priyanka Gandhi and others carried cloth bags bearing the words, "Bangladesh ke Hindu aur Isaaiyon ke saath khadey ho" (Stand with Hindus and Christians of Bangladesh).
Meanwhile, the Constitution (One Hundred and Twenty-Ninth Amendment) Bill, 2024 and The Union Territories Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2024 were formally introduced in the Lok Sabha after members voted in favour. The bill proposes 'One Nation, One Election,' or simultaneous elections for both the Lok Sabha and state assemblies. It will now be sent to a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) for detailed discussions.