‘One Nation-One Election’ crucial for development of the country, says former Union Minister Muraleedharan

‘One Nation-One Election’ crucial for development of the country, says former Union Minister Muraleedharan. Simultaneous polls will bring down the expenditure and pave the way for smooth implementation of development schemes, he observes.

Former Union Minister V. Muraleedharan has affirmed that ‘One Nation - One Election’ (simultaneous polls to the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies) is the need of the hour, as frequent elections are hindering development.

“When elections are held at different times in the States, development takes a backseat,” Mr. Muraleedharan asserted while addressing a seminar on the subject organised at a private college here on Thursday.

Mr. Muraleedharan said simultaneous polls would bring down the expenditure and pave the way for smooth implementation of development schemes in all the States.

He observed that whenever elections were conducted in the States, the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) would obstruct development, sometimes for a couple of months or longer periods, due to restrictions on the implementation of the schemes. “Elections to the Legislative Assemblies, Lok Sabha and local bodies follow one after another. The expenditure entailed by these elections will be massive,” he said.

Replying to a question about the proposed delimitation of constituencies, he said discussions were underway and it should be done by 2029.