Tue Dec 17 19:42:19 UTC 2024: ## TDP Backs ‘One Nation, One Election’ Bill, Citing Cost Savings and Efficiency

**New Delhi, December 17, 2024** – The Telugu Desam Party (TDP) has voiced its strong support for the “One Nation, One Election” Bill, asserting that simultaneous elections would significantly reduce costs and enhance efficiency. This announcement was made by TDP leader and Union Minister of State for Rural Development and Communications, Pemmasani Chandra Sekhar, during a Rajya Sabha discussion on Tuesday.

Mr. Chandra Sekhar highlighted the substantial financial burden of separate elections, citing the Election Commission’s expenditure of approximately ₹6,000 crore in 2019 and over ₹10,000 crore in 2024. He argued that simultaneous elections could slash these costs by 40% and potentially boost voter turnout by up to 7%. He also noted the considerable expenditure by political parties themselves, estimating it at over ₹1 lakh crore.

The TDP leader emphasized that the party’s backing aligns with its commitment to the Centre’s “Viksit Bharat” (Developed India) vision by 2047, aiming to integrate this national goal with its own “Swarna Andhra Vision 2047.” He further stressed the administrative benefits of streamlining elections, arguing that staggered elections disrupt regular governance, referencing three state-level elections in the past six months as examples.

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