Shillong, Sept 23: Meghalaya Legislative Assembly Speaker Thomas A. Sangma has expressed support for the Modi government’s proposed ‘One Nation, One Election’ (ONOE) initiative, describing it as a logical and practical step for the country. He emphasized the potential benefits of reducing the frequency of elections, which would save energy and resources.

“India is a large nation with a significant population, and holding multiple elections throughout the year consumes considerable resources and energy. Implementing ONOE seems like a reasonable and practical solution,” said Sangma.

While acknowledging the proposal’s potential merits, Sangma stressed the importance of public opinion. “As a leader, I cannot express my views without considering the people’s opinion. However, the idea does appear to make sense. We are currently holding elections for state assemblies every year, in addition to by-polls,” he explained.

He also highlighted the need to assess the political impact of ONOE. “We need to evaluate how this will play out politically. At the national level, people may support a single party, but in their states, they make different choices. How this will influence voters remains to be seen,” Sangma said.

Joining Sangma in supporting the move, Rambrai-Jyrngam legislator Remington Gabil Momin also welcomed the ONOE proposal. Momin praised the initiative as a time- and cost-saving measure. “It’s a good step from the Government. It can save time, reduce expenditure, and streamline processes. I’m comfortable with this. Once we decide to contest elections, there should be no problem with this idea,” he commented.

When asked about the reservations some quarters have expressed regarding the implementation of ONOE in a diverse country like India, Momin remained optimistic. “If the law permits it, there should be no problem. Of course, we are a diverse nation, and there will be merits and demerits, but in the end, the result will be positive, in my view,” he added.

The state’s political parties have reacted differently to the proposal. The Meghalaya TMC has welcomed the Centre’s move, describing it as the need of the hour. Meanwhile, the UDP and VPP have refrained from making any immediate statements, choosing to deliberate further before finalizing their stance. On the other hand, the State Congress has dismissed the proposal, calling it a “non-starter” and labeling it another “Jumla” by the BJP-led central government.

The Union government has advanced its ONOE plan, accepting a high-level panel’s recommendations to hold simultaneous elections for the Lok Sabha, state assemblies, and local bodies in a phased manner. This decision follows efforts to build a nationwide consensus on the matter.

Read: Centre to table proposed amendment to Sixth Schedule in Parliament in December

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