President Murmu Advocates ‘One Nation, One Election’ in Presidential Address

President Droupadi Murmu highlights economic and administrative benefits of synchronised elections in her Republic Day address

January 26, 2025: Addressing the nation on the eve of the 76th Republic Day, President Droupadi Murmu strongly endorsed the ‘One Nation, One Election’ initiative as a transformative reform aimed at redefining governance. Highlighting its potential to prevent policy paralysis, mitigate resource diversion, and reduce the financial burden, she hailed it as a bold step toward good governance.

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“Reforms of such magnitude require an audacity of vision. Synchronising election schedules can promote consistency in governance and bring numerous benefits,” said President Murmu.

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The Case for Simultaneous Polls
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has frequently championed simultaneous polls, citing the significant financial costs and disruptions caused by frequent elections. Former President Ram Nath Kovind, who led a panel on this subject, echoed similar sentiments, pointing out that the first four Lok Sabha and Assembly elections, held until 1967, were conducted simultaneously.

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However, the proposal has been met with criticism. The Congress has raised constitutional and federal concerns, calling the plan “anti-democratic” and vowing strong opposition. Questions also remain about handling scenarios like hung assemblies, President’s Rule, or mid-term dissolutions.

Focus on Eliminating Colonial Legacy
President Murmu also praised efforts to replace colonial-era laws with new legislations prioritising justice and inclusivity. She cited the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam as examples, emphasising their focus on addressing crimes against women and children while delivering justice.

Economic Growth and Social Welfare
The President highlighted India’s persistently high economic growth rate, attributing it to increased job opportunities and poverty alleviation. She praised the government’s focus on welfare measures, including housing, clean drinking water, and support for marginalised communities, particularly Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and Other Backward Classes (OBC).

The Legacy of the Constitution
Reflecting on the inclusive nature of India’s Constitution, President Murmu underscored the contributions of the Constituent Assembly, which had 15 women members representing diverse communities. She lauded early 20th-century freedom fighters like Mahatma Gandhi and Babasaheb Ambedkar for laying the foundation of a democratic India.

“Justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity are not just modern concepts but have always been integral to our civilisational heritage,” she said, asserting that skeptics of the Constitution’s longevity have been proven wrong.

A Vision for the Future
As India celebrates its 76th Republic Day, President Murmu’s address underscored the importance of bold reforms, inclusive governance, and economic growth as pillars of the nation’s progress.

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