Yogi Adityanath reiterates call for ‘One Nation, One Election’ to boost stability

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Monday renewed his appeal for the implementation of the 'One Nation, One Election' system, arguing that frequent elections disrupt governance, encourage corruption, and slow down development.

Addressing a state-level conference on the subject, Adityanath said holding elections repeatedly puts undue pressure on both the public and the administration.

"Frequent elections in democracy put unnecessary pressure on the public, it creates political instability, hinders possibilities of development in the country and encourages corruption in public life," the Chief Minister said.

He emphasised the importance of political stability, calling it essential for peace, security, and economic progress. "Political stability is the first condition for peace, the first condition for security, and the first condition for development, and for that, political stability, there should not be frequent elections," he stated.

The Chief Minister warned that repeated electoral cycles affect national growth and allow anti-democratic forces to thrive. "Frequent elections impact the GDP and halts the growth rate. It acts as a barrier before ongoing development projects and reduces the appeal for elections among people. No party benefits from this, except the anti-democratic elements who want to create political instability," he said.

He also pointed out that the frequency of elections weakens public interest in the democratic process. "In a democracy, elections and people choosing a public representative of their choice are considered a democratic right. For this right, the proper functioning of democracy is essential. But when elections take place every six months, every year, the appeal for elections disappears," he added.

According to Adityanath, governance suffers when governments spend excessive time managing elections. "The state or the country which faces elections every year spends 3 months on elections, 2 months on celebrations and festivals...and is left with only 6 months to work, will anyone be able to give any result in those 6 months?" he asked.

He concluded by referencing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s earlier remarks on the issue. "That is why when Prime Minister Modi dedicated the statue of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the Iron Man, the symbol of the integrity of the country, to the nation in 2019, he said that 'one nation, one election' is important for the stability of the country," he said.