One nation, one election vital for hill states like Uttarakhand: Dhami

Time of India

21-05-2025

Dehradun: A joint parliamentary committee on 'One Nation, One Election', headed by BJP MP PP Chaudhary met with chief minister
on Wednesday. During their interaction, Dhami highlighted the challenges posed by
, stating that over the past three years, the state's administrative machinery was inactive for 175 days due to the repeated imposition of the
(MCC) for assembly, Lok Sabha (LS) and municipal elections.
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"For a state with limited resources, these 175 days are critical from a governance standpoint," he said. Dhami also noted that while the state bears the full cost of assembly elections, the Centre covers LS election expenses. "If both elections are held simultaneously, the financial burden would be halved for both state and central govts. Conducting them together could save approximately 30-35% of total expenditure, funds that could be redirected to health, education, infrastructure, agriculture and women's empowerment," he said.
Calling 'One Nation, One Election' a "significant initiative" to strengthen democracy, Dhami said that although India's electoral system remains effective despite its diversity, staggered elections often result in prolonged MCC enforcement, disrupting state functions. "Each election pulls a large number of personnel away from their primary responsibilities to election duties," he added.
Dhami pointed out that
's unique geographical and climatic conditions further complicate election logistics.
The Char Dham Yatra and monsoon season from June to Sept make it a difficult time for polling. He also suggested avoiding elections in the final quarter of the financial year (Jan–March), as it coincides with high school and intermediate board exams, straining administrative resources.
The CM emphasised that 'One Nation, One Election' would be particularly beneficial for Himalayan states like Uttarakhand. "Reaching remote polling stations is time-consuming and resource-intensive.
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In hilly regions, voter participation is already a challenge, and frequent elections diminish public enthusiasm, resulting in lower turnout," Dhami said.
Dehradun: A joint parliamentary committee on 'One Nation, One Election', headed by BJP MP PP Chaudhary met with chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Wednesday. During their interaction, Dhami highlighted the challenges posed by frequent elections, stating that over the past three years, the state's administrative machinery was inactive for 175 days due to the repeated imposition of the model code of conduct (MCC) for assembly, Lok Sabha (LS) and municipal elections.
"For a state with limited resources, these 175 days are critical from a governance standpoint," he said. Dhami also noted that while the state bears the full cost of assembly elections, the Centre covers LS election expenses. "If both elections are held simultaneously, the financial burden would be halved for both state and central govts. Conducting them together could save approximately 30-35% of total expenditure, funds that could be redirected to health, education, infrastructure, agriculture and women's empowerment," he said.
Calling 'One Nation, One Election' a "significant initiative" to strengthen democracy, Dhami said that although India's electoral system remains effective despite its diversity, staggered elections often result in prolonged MCC enforcement, disrupting state functions. "Each election pulls a large number of personnel away from their primary responsibilities to election duties," he added.
Dhami pointed out that Uttarakhand's unique geographical and climatic conditions further complicate election logistics.
The Char Dham Yatra and monsoon season from June to Sept make it a difficult time for polling. He also suggested avoiding elections in the final quarter of the financial year (Jan–March), as it coincides with high school and intermediate board exams, straining administrative resources.
The CM emphasised that 'One Nation, One Election' would be particularly beneficial for Himalayan states like Uttarakhand. "Reaching remote polling stations is time-consuming and resource-intensive. In hilly regions, voter participation is already a challenge, and frequent elections diminish public enthusiasm, resulting in lower turnout," Dhami said.