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Youth-led discussion sees key political voices advocate for synchronised elections to boost national development and reduce electoral costs
Galgotias University hosted an insightful discussion on the concept of ‘One Nation, One Election’ on 19th April, 2025. The University invited Mr. Dhirendra Singh, MLA, Jewar, GB Nagar, as the chief guest, with Mr. Satish Sharma, former MLC, Mr. Abhishek Sharma and Mr. Habib Haider, Member of the National executive of the BJP minority cell, as chief speakers. The government has initiated programs for discussion with the nation’s youth to establish understanding and perceptions of how they feel about the concept of ‘One Nation, One Election’. Galgotias University CEO, Dr. Dhruv Galgotia, took the initiative to engage the students of the university studying Law and Mass Communication to participate in a discussion and to put forth their perceptions in front of the prestigious guests.
Mr. Dhirendra Singh addressed the audience with an insight into why the concept of ‘One Nation, One Election’ is necessary. He spoke about how it was expected that the nation would develop fast after independence; however, because of problems such as late implementation of policies and the old British bureaucratic way of administration, it did not happen as such. He spoke about how, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi went from the 20th largest economy in the world to become the fifth largest economy. He spoke about how the money that goes into campaigning in different elections can be used instead for the development of the nation. He concluded his speech with a brief explanation about the efforts of the Kovind Committee, and he encouraged youngsters to engage in politics.
His address was followed by Mr. Habib Haider, who complimented the MLA of Jewar. Mr. Haider mentioned how ‘One Nation One Election’ if successful, can shape India to become the kind of developed nation, where instead of the citizens leaving to study abroad, people will come to India to seek education and jobs. He applauded the prime minister’s efforts to change the electoral system and further develop the nation as he has in the past. He stated how Galgotias University represents the spirit of ‘Viksit Bharat’
Mr. Abhishek Sharma address the audience next, by elaborating how the electoral cost can be reduced by a huge margin. He used the example of Sweden to initiate the conversation about how the voters turn out is a huge problem with the constant elections that go on in India, and explained how ‘One Nation, One Election’ can ensure there was only one voter list for the entire electoral process.
Mr. Dhirendra Singh next invited the participants for a question-and-answer session. The students asked perceptive questions that the guest answered with sincerity. Questions arose, such as how the local voices might be subdued in the system of ‘One Nation One Election’, how the implementation of this concept can endanger the tenure of current governments, how the federal system will be affected and how the system can also pose disadvantages to democracy.
Mr. Satish Sharma next spoke of how the condition of India had derailed with colonisation. He also spoke of how this system will give the government 5 years to simply focus on the development of the nation and not constantly be engaged in elections one after the other. Instead of focusing on how to win elections, the government will focus on long-term plans to help the nation, as is its duty.
