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The idea of One Nation, One Election has become one of the most discussed political topics in India in recent years. It refers to holding elections for the Lok Sabha and all State Legislative Assemblies at the same time, instead of conducting them separately. Supporters believe it can save huge costs, reduce the burden on the Election Commission, and allow governments to focus more on development rather than frequent campaigning. According to official estimates, the 2019 Lok Sabha elections alone cost over INR 60,000 crore (including government and party expenses), and with separate state elections, this figure rises significantly. However, critics raise concerns about constitutional changes, regional representation, and the practicality of implementing such a large-scale reform.
In this blog, we explain the concept in different word limits, highlight important facts and figures, and provide short and long speech samples on One Nation, One Election to help students prepare for school speeches, debates, and competitions.
Short Speech on One Nation One Election in India
Respected Principal, teachers, and dear friends,
Today, I am going to speak on the topic One Nation, One Election. This is an idea that is being discussed across the country. It means holding elections for the Lok Sabha and all State Legislative Assemblies at the same time, once every five years.
Right now, elections in India happen at different times in different states. For example, after the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, some states like Maharashtra and Haryana had their assembly polls later that year. Others, like Bihar voted in 2020, Uttar Pradesh in 2022, and so on. This means elections keep happening almost every year.
The government spends a huge amount on elections. According to estimates, the 2019 Lok Sabha polls alone cost over ₹60,000 crore, and when we add state elections, the expense becomes much higher. Also, the Election Commission has to arrange polling booths, security forces, EVMs, and staff again and again. This takes a lot of time, energy, and money.
Frequent elections also affect governance. When elections are near, governments focus more on campaigning and less on development work. The Model Code of Conduct comes into force, which stops new schemes from being announced. If we have One Nation, One Election, leaders can focus fully on development for five years without breaks.
However, there are challenges. Our Constitution would need to be changed. Also, if a state government loses its majority in the middle of the term, what will happen? Will the state wait till the next national election or have a separate one? These questions need answers.
The idea is not new. India actually had simultaneous elections in 1952, 1957, 1962, and 1967. It was only after some state governments dissolved early that the system broke. Now, there is talk of bringing it back.
In conclusion, One Nation, One Election could save money, reduce the election burden, and give more time for development. But it will need careful planning, legal changes, and agreement from all political parties. Whether it becomes reality or not, the debate is important for the future of our democracy.
Thank you.
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Long Speech on One Nation One Election in India
Good morning respected Principal, teachers, and my dear friends,
The topic of my speech today is One Nation, One Election in India. This is a proposal to hold elections for the Lok Sabha and all State Assemblies together, once every five years. It is an idea that promises to change the way India votes.
India is the largest democracy in the world. We have 28 states, 8 Union Territories, and more than 900 million registered voters. At present, different states have their assembly elections at different times. This means that in some part of India, elections are happening almost every year. For example, after the 2019 General Election, Delhi voted in 2020, West Bengal in 2021, Uttar Pradesh in 2022, and Karnataka in 2023. This cycle continues endlessly.
Holding elections again and again has many problems. First, the cost is massive. In 2014, the Lok Sabha elections cost about ₹3,870 crore to the Election Commission. By 2019, this figure had jumped to over ₹8,000 crore for the government, and total spending by all parties and candidates was estimated at more than ₹60,000 crore. If elections are combined, the expenses can be reduced drastically.
Second, frequent elections put pressure on government officers, teachers, and police who are assigned election duties. For weeks, they cannot do their regular work. In rural areas, teachers are pulled out of schools to manage polling booths, which affects education.
Third, frequent elections slow down development. The Model Code of Conduct (MCC) comes into effect during elections, which stops governments from starting new projects or making major policy decisions. Imagine if this happens every few months in some part of the country — the speed of development naturally suffers.
Supporters of One Nation, One Election say that if all elections are held together, leaders will spend less time campaigning and more time governing. Voters will also find it easier, as they can vote for both state and national representatives on the same day.
But there are challenges. India’s Constitution and election laws will have to be changed. Also, what will happen if a state government falls early due to political instability? One solution could be having President’s Rule in the state until the next joint election, but many say this is undemocratic.
This is not a new concept. Between 1952 and 1967, India held simultaneous elections successfully. But due to early dissolutions of some state assemblies and the Lok Sabha in 1970, the schedule was disrupted. Since then, we have been following separate election cycles.
Recently, the government formed a committee to study the feasibility of this idea. Former President Ram Nath Kovind has also supported it. Many countries like Sweden, South Africa, and Indonesia hold national and regional elections together, proving that it is possible with proper planning.
In my opinion, One Nation, One Election could save crores of rupees, reduce the burden on the Election Commission, and allow continuous governance. However, it will require political agreement, legal changes, and a well-prepared plan to handle situations like mid-term government collapse.
Whether or not it is implemented soon, this discussion is vital for making our democracy more efficient. The choice lies with our leaders and the people.
Thank you and have a great day.
Also Read: One Nation One Election Essay in 500+ Words
FAQs
To write a speech on One Nation, One Election in India, start with a simple introduction explaining what the concept means and why it is being discussed. Then, present key points such as its benefits—like saving costs, reducing frequent elections, and allowing more focus on development—and also mention challenges like constitutional changes and handling mid-term government collapse. Use facts, figures, and examples from India’s past (1952–1967 simultaneous polls) and recent updates like the Ram Nath Kovind committee’s recommendations. End with your opinion or a balanced conclusion, keeping the language clear, structured, and easy for the audience to follow.
In India, One Nation, One Election means holding elections for the Lok Sabha (Parliament) and all State Legislative Assemblies at the same time, once every five years, instead of having them separately at different times. This idea aims to save money, reduce the repeated use of resources like security forces and polling staff, and allow governments to focus more on development rather than constant campaigning.
If One Nation, One Election is implemented, the terms of some state assemblies may have to be shortened or extended so that all elections can be held together. This means a few states might vote earlier than scheduled, while others might continue for a few extra months beyond their normal five-year term. Such changes would require constitutional amendments and agreement from both the central and state governments.
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