Haridwar (Uttarakhand) [India], August 23 (ANI): Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan addressed a gathering of saints at the ancient Avadhoot Mandal Ashram in Haridwar, emphasising the strength and necessity of the 'One Nation, One Election' initiative.
Calling frequent elections an obstacle to the country's progress, he appealed to the saint community to help create public awareness in support of this constitutional reform. Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami was also present on the occasion and expressed his support for the initiative alongside the Union Minister.
Shivraj Singh Chouhan strongly backed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision and resolve for 'One Nation, One Election', describing the concept as essential for the nation's larger interest. He said frequent elections affect the pace of development and public service, resulting in a massive loss of time, money and administrative resources.
The Union Minister said that repeated elections disrupt education in schools, engage the administrative machinery in election-related preparations and slow down the delivery of development works to the people. He added that the enormous time and expenditure involved in conducting frequent elections could be saved for the benefit of the country. If Lok Sabha and Assembly elections are held simultaneously, resources and time could be saved, while the administrative focus could remain firmly on development, he said.
Chouhan appealed to the saint community to use its influence and voice to create public awareness. He said that with the blessings of saints and the widespread influence they have over their followers, the idea could spread rapidly across the country and become a strong national movement rising above political parties.
He also urged saints to speak in support of 'One Nation, One Election' during their discourses so that public enthusiasm could be generated and the path for constitutional amendments could be made easier. Referring to the steps and proposed legislation initiated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the issue, Chouhan said that this was not a matter concerning just one political party, but an issue of the entire nation.
"If the country moves forward, political parties will also continue to exist," he said.
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said from the stage that the Uttarakhand government, as well as he personally, supports the idea and would contribute towards building greater public support for it. Chouhan sought the blessings of the saints and appealed for support for the complete rendition of Vande Mataram. He said that with the support of the saint community, the resolve for 'One Nation, One Election' could be fulfilled, opening new avenues for India's prosperity, development and self-reliance.
In his address, Shivraj Singh Chouhan also placed special emphasis on the significance of Vande Mataram, describing it as a symbol of patriotism and national unity rather than a song belonging to any particular political party or community. He said that the song had been divided into two parts under pressure from the Muslim League before independence, which, according to him, also contributed to the division of the country. He said India would not be allowed to be divided again.
The Union Minister urged the saint community to support the complete rendition of Vande Mataram in their discourses and inspire the public with the belief that there should be no controversy over paying homage to the motherland. He said that once public awareness is generated through the voice of the saint community, no one would dare to oppose the complete rendition of Vande Mataram. (ANI)
Shivraj Singh Chouhan backs 'One Nation, One Election' at Haridwar Saints' Meet, calls frequent polls obstacle to progress
