Sat Jan 25 15:24:31 UTC 2025: ## President Murmu Lauds ‘One Nation, One Election’ Bill in Republic Day Address
**New Delhi:** President Droupadi Murmu, in her address to the nation on the eve of the 76th Republic Day, hailed the proposed ‘One Nation, One Election’ bill as a landmark reform that will usher in an era of better governance. She argued the bill will curb policy paralysis, reduce resource wastage, and lessen the financial burden on the nation. This sentiment echoes Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s frequent calls for simultaneous elections to mitigate the costs and disruptions of continuous election cycles.
The President’s endorsement follows the introduction of the bill in Parliament. Former President Ram Nath Kovind, who chaired a panel on the subject, asserted the concept aligns with the framers of the Constitution’s original vision, citing the simultaneous holding of the first four Lok Sabha and assembly elections until 1967.
However, the Congress party has vehemently opposed the bill, calling it anti-democratic and anti-federal, arguing it violates the Constitution’s basic structure. Concerns remain about how the bill will address potential disruptions caused by factors such as the dissolution of Houses, President’s Rule, or hung assemblies and parliaments.
Beyond the election reform, President Murmu celebrated the replacement of British-era criminal laws with three new modern statutes: the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, and the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam. She emphasized the government’s commitment to eliminating colonial mindsets and highlighted India’s sustained economic growth, job creation, and poverty reduction efforts. The President also underscored the government’s dedication to inclusive growth, particularly supporting marginalized communities, and praised the inclusive nature of the Constituent Assembly and the contributions of women in shaping India’s democracy. She concluded by emphasizing the enduring relevance of the Constitution and the nation’s commitment to justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity.
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