Published on: April 13, 2025
By: [BTI]
Location: Rajnandgaon, India
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is set to intensify its efforts to promote the concept of One Nation, One Election (ONOE), a transformative electoral reform proposed to streamline India’s polling processes and significantly cut down administrative costs. Speaking at a district-level meeting, BJP’s ONOE District Convenor Santosh Agrawal highlighted that serious deliberations on the subject have been underway since February 2025.
Agrawal stressed the need for synchronized elections across Lok Sabha, Vidhan Sabha, and local bodies to ensure seamless governance and avoid repetitive impositions of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC), which often stalls developmental work for extended periods.
Massive Cost Savings Projected
Citing official government figures, Agrawal pointed out that the 2019 Lok Sabha elections incurred an expenditure of ₹60,000 crore, while the 2024 elections saw a spike to ₹1.35 lakh crore. He projected that if national, state, and local elections are conducted simultaneously, India could save approximately ₹4.5 lakh crore — equivalent to nearly 1.5% of the country’s GDP.
“This reform is not just about saving money. It is about reimagining how a democracy functions more efficiently, with fewer disruptions, and greater public accountability,” Agrawal said. “BJP karyakartas will soon begin a mass movement to collect public support and send formal proposals to the President of India via Gram Panchayats, Janpad Panchayats, and Zila Parishads.”
BJP’s Commitment to Long-Term Development
During the same event, Member of Parliament Santosh Pandey elaborated on the central government’s numerous welfare schemes under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership. He listed flagship initiatives like the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao, PM Awas Yojana, Jal Jeevan Mission, and Kisan Samman Nidhi, stating that these have empowered millions of Indians.
Pandey also praised India’s growing international stature, referencing the extradition of fugitive Rana from the United States, which he attributed to PM Modi’s strong global diplomacy. “Congress is visibly unsettled after Rana’s extradition. This government has demonstrated boldness in national security, be it through the abrogation of Article 370 or the implementation of Triple Talaq law,” he stated.
Empowering Minorities Through Waqf Reforms
Highlighting another reform, Pandey spoke on the central government’s plans to ensure transparency and equitable distribution of income from Waqf Board properties. “Currently, over 39 lakh acres of Waqf land generate only ₹120 crore annually. With better enforcement and eviction of illegal encroachments, this income could multiply, directly benefiting underprivileged Muslim families,” he added.
Future Program Outline and Closing Remarks
Senior BJP leader Dinesh Gandhi addressed the gathering, sharing the upcoming program blueprint to mobilize public opinion in favor of ONOE. The event also featured contributions from BJP General Secretary Ravindra Vaishnav, who conducted the session, and Kailash Sharma, who delivered the vote of thanks.
As BJP intensifies its outreach to build national consensus around One Nation, One Election, the party positions itself as a champion of systemic reform, financial prudence, and people-first governance.