NEW DELHI, Jan 27: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said the ongoing debate on the “One Nation, One Election” (ONOE) proposal is critical for India’s democratic process and urged youngsters to actively engage in and promote the discussions.
Addressing a National Cadet Corps (NCC) rally here, Modi urged youngsters, including NCC cadets and NSS volunteers, to actively engage in and promote the debate, which he said is directly linked to their future.
The Prime Minister observed that polls have often led to an overwhelming cycle of continuous electioneering in India.
“After independence, elections at the state and central levels were held together for a long time. But over time, this pattern broke down, causing significant challenges for the country,” he said.
Modi highlighted that the current situation, where elections take place frequently, disrupts governance and development.
“Today, there is an important debate about ‘One Nation, One Election’. Holding the Lok Sabha and state elections simultaneously could alleviate disruptions and enable a more focused governance approach,” he said.
The Prime Minister urged youngsters to take part in the discussion, stressing its relevance for the country’s future.
“I appeal to the NCC cadets, volunteers and all youngsters across the country — wherever you are, take this debate forward. It is directly linked to your future,” he said while emphasising that participating in the debate is essential for shaping India’s future political landscape.