PM Modi Proposes One Country, One Election
The Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, chaired a meeting of party presidents of different political parties having representation in Parliament on Wednesday (June 19). According to an official statement, 21 party presidents attended the meeting.
Issues that came up for discussion included:
- Ways to improve productivity of parliament
- One Country, One Election
- Building a New India in the 75th year of independence
- Program and commitments to celebrate Mahatma Gandhi’s 150th birth anniversary
- Development of aspirational districts
Union Minister for Defence, Rajnath Singh, conducted the meeting. Various party presidents noted with concern, the frequent adjournments and disruptions in the Houses of Parliament.
They observed that this impacts productivity and denies Members the opportunity to express their views on issues of the day. They emphasized that an atmosphere of discussion and dialogue must prevail in Parliament.
On the issue of ‘One Country, One Election’, several party presidents supported the proposal for simultaneous conduct of elections. Parties were also of the view that all aspects of this proposal need to be examined carefully.
Modi noted that this is not a single party’s agenda, but it is an issue of national importance and the views of all parties would be considered and given due importance. He announced that a committee will be formed to examine the issue of ‘One Country, One Election’.
