'One Nation, One Election' can ensure governance stability, long-term planning: Goa CM

Panaji, Jul 10 (PTI) Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Friday strongly backed the idea of holding synchronised elections in the country, saying such an arrangement could provide greater stability in governance, enable long-term policy planning and optimise public resources. The BJP CM asserted the Goa government fully supports the Centre's consultative exercise on the proposed constitutional reform related to "One Nation, One Election". Sawant made the remarks after interacting with the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC), headed by BJP Lok Sabha member P P Chaudhary, which is examining the Constitution (129th Amendment) Bill, 2024 and the Union Territories Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2024. The JPC is holding nationwide consultations on the proposal for simultaneous Lok Sabha and Assembly polls in the country, popularly referred to as 'One Nation, One Election'. Speaking to reporters after the meeting, the chief minister said Goa had conveyed its views before the committee in favour of the proposed reform. He congratulated Prime Minister Narendra Modi for initiating what he described as a "transformative and futuristic" reform aimed at strengthening governance, ensuring policy continuity, reducing the recurring burden of polls and accelerating India's journey towards the goal of Viksit Bharat by 2047. Sawant argued that while elections are the cornerstone of democracy, the frequent electoral cycle across different states often affects governance, administrative continuity, policy formulation and budgetary planning. "A synchronised electoral cycle has the potential to provide stability, allow governments to focus on long-term development, optimise public resources and further strengthen the spirit of cooperative federalism, while fully upholding the constitutional values of the nation," he emphasised. The chief minister said the Goa government has extended its full support to the consultative process being undertaken by the JPC and remains committed to contributing constructively towards reforms that make governance more efficient, transparent and people-centric. The JPC is on a two-day (July 10-11) visit to Goa as part of its nationwide consultations with state governments and other stakeholders on the proposed constitutional amendment aimed at implementing simultaneous elections to Lok Sabha and state legislative assemblies. PTI RPS RSY