In a fresh reaction to Kerala's recent resolution opposing the "One Nation, One Election" initiative, BJP MLA Hemanga Thakuria has criticized the state government, calling it a political stunt that could hinder India's progress.
Kerala Chief Minister S. Ramaiah and his party have voiced opposition to the idea of simultaneous elections for both the central and state legislatures, a proposal currently under discussion at the national level. According to Thakuria, the opposition to this program is short-sighted and against the larger interests of the country.
“India is now the most populous nation in the world, with over 140 crore people, and conducting elections every few months is a costly endeavor. As seen in the 2024 elections, the country spent around 2 lakh crore rupees,” Thakuria stated. He added that the "One Nation, One Election" initiative could significantly reduce the financial burden of conducting separate elections and help the nation allocate those resources to vital developmental projects.
Thakuria emphasized that the funds saved from election costs could be used to build 500 new medical institutes, 1,000 educational institutions, and develop 1 lakh kilometers of new highways, thus directly contributing to India's infrastructure and social welfare.
He urged the Kerala government and Chief Minister Ramaiah to reconsider their stance and support the initiative, which he believes will lead to faster growth and progress for the country. "Supporting this initiative is not just about financial savings; it's about investing in the future of India," Thakuria concluded.
The BJP MLA’s remarks have once again brought the debate on "One Nation, One Election" to the forefront, with calls for a unified approach to address the country’s development needs.