Patna: Bihar BJP president Dilip Jaiswal on Wednesday reiterated the party’s strong support for the ‘One Nation, One Election’ initiative, arguing that simultaneous polls across the country would curb expenses and accelerate development. He was speaking at a seminar on the subject at Red Velvet Hotel in Patna, where he formally inaugurated the event by lighting a ceremonial lamp.
Jaiswal pointed out that India had conducted simultaneous elections from 1951 to 1967 before the system was disrupted, which he blamed on the Congress party. “Congress made a mockery of democracy and derailed the system. Today, we must hold discussions to revive it,” he said.
He argued that staggered elections placed a financial burden on the exchequer and kept security forces engaged throughout the year, affecting governance. “When elections are held separately, the Model Code of Conduct is frequently imposed, stalling development. If the government is allowed to work uninterrupted for five years, the pace of progress will increase,” he said.
The BJP leader emphasised that the benefits of a unified election system far outweighed any drawbacks, urging for a national consensus on the issue. He claimed that holding simultaneous elections would reduce the cost of conducting polls and prevent repeated disruptions. “This cycle was intact after independence, but it was broken due to the imposition of President’s rule in states. Today, assembly elections are held at different times every year, which strains the treasury,” he said.
Jaiswal also urged attendees to spread awareness about the proposal, emphasising its significance for the country’s governance.
The event was attended by BJP state organisation general secretary Bhikhu Bhai Dalsaniya, former legislative councillor Prof. Ranveer Nandan, programme co-ordinator Kuntal Krishna, state general secretary Rajesh Verma, and other party leaders.
