Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during the National Unity Day celebration, underlined the spirit of unity and inspiration. He stated that the last decade has been filled with "unprecedented achievements for the unity of India" and that national unity will be reflected in every initiative and mission of the government. 
Modi was addressing the Rashtriya Ekta Diwas program in Kevadia, a district in the Indian state of Gujarat.

He said, "Sardar Patel's powerful voice, this grand program near the Statue of Unity, this panoramic view of Ekta Nagar, and the wonderful performances here--these glimpses of mini India--everything is so amazing and so inspiring. Just like August 15 and January 26, this event on October 31 fills the whole country with new energy. I wish all the countrymen a very happy National Unity Day."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-lists-kashmir-willow-cricket-bat-as-part-of-handicraft-industry-772052">India lists ‘Kashmir Willow Cricket Bat’ as part of handicraft industry</a>

Prime Minister highlighted that his government was working towards achieving One Nation One Poll which will ensure simultaneous polls for Lok Sabha and state assemblies.

"...We are now working towards One Nation One Election, which will strengthen India's democracy, give optimum outcome of India's resources and the country will gain new momentum in achieving the dream of a developed India. Today, India is moving towards One Nation One Civil Code that is a Secular Civil Code," he said.

"The last 10 years have been full of unprecedented achievements for the unity and integrity of India. Today, commitment to national unity is visible in every work and every mission of the government. As true Indians, we must celebrate every effort towards national unity with enthusiasm and energy, strengthening new resolve, hopes, and excitement. This is the true celebration. By promoting India's languages, we strengthen the bonds of unity. The New Education Policy is a shining example, which the nation has proudly embraced," the Prime Minister added.

PM Modi also stated that for the next two years, India will celebrate Sardar Patel's 150th birth anniversary. To honour his contributions to India's unity, all government initiatives will reflect national unity.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/how-indian-army-dealt-deadly-blow-to-terrorists-using-ai-in-kashmirs-akhnoor-771813">How Indian Army dealt a deadly blow to terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir’s&nbsp;Akhnoor by using AI</a>

"Today marks the beginning of Sardar Patel's 150th birth anniversary year, and the country will celebrate this milestone for the next two years. This is a tribute to his extraordinary contributions to India. This period will be filled with honouring his remarkable achievements, and national unity will be reflected in every initiative and mission of the government. When India gained independence, some people in the world estimated that India would disintegrate. They had no hope that a united India could be created by uniting hundreds of princely states, but Sardar Sahib did it. This was possible because Sardar Sahib was a realist in his behaviour, truthful in his resolve, humanitarian in his action, and nationalist in his aim," the PM said.

Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during the National Unity Day celebration, underlined the spirit of unity and inspiration. He stated that the last decade has been filled with "unprecedented achievements for the unity of India" and that national unity will be reflected in every initiative and mission of the government.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during the National Unity Day celebration, underlined the spirit of unity and inspiration. He stated that the last decade has been filled with "unprecedented achievements for the unity of India" and that national unity will be reflected in every initiative and mission of the government. Modi was addressing the Rashtriya Ekta Diwas program in Kevadia, a district in the Indian state of Gujarat. He said, "Sardar Patel's powerful voice, this grand program near the Statue of Unity, this panoramic view of Ekta Nagar, and the wonderful performances here--these glimpses of mini India--everything is so amazing and so inspiring. Just like August 15 and January 26, this event on October 31 fills the whole country with new energy. I wish all the countrymen a very happy National Unity Day." Also read | India lists ‘Kashmir Willow Cricket Bat’ as part of handicraft industry Prime Minister highlighted that his government was working towards achieving One Nation One Poll which will ensure simultaneous polls for Lok Sabha and state assemblies. "...We are now working towards One Nation One Election, which will strengthen India's democracy, give optimum outcome of India's resources and the country will gain new momentum in achieving the dream of a developed India. Today, India is moving towards One Nation One Civil Code that is a Secular Civil Code," he said. "The last 10 years have been full of unprecedented achievements for the unity and integrity of India. Today, commitment to national unity is visible in every work and every mission of the government. As true Indians, we must celebrate every effort towards national unity with enthusiasm and energy, strengthening new resolve, hopes, and excitement. This is the true celebration. By promoting India's languages, we strengthen the bonds of unity. The New Education Policy is a shining example, which the nation has proudly embraced," the Prime Minister added. PM Modi also stated that for the next two years, India will celebrate Sardar Patel's 150th birth anniversary. To honour his contributions to India's unity, all government initiatives will reflect national unity. Also read | How Indian Army dealt a deadly blow to terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir’s Akhnoor by using AI "Today marks the beginning of Sardar Patel's 150th birth anniversary year, and the country will celebrate this milestone for the next two years. This is a tribute to his extraordinary contributions to India. This period will be filled with honouring his remarkable achievements, and national unity will be reflected in every initiative and mission of the government. When India gained independence, some people in the world estimated that India would disintegrate. They had no hope that a united India could be created by uniting hundreds of princely states, but Sardar Sahib did it. This was possible because Sardar Sahib was a realist in his behaviour, truthful in his resolve, humanitarian in his action, and nationalist in his aim," the PM said. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

'Working toward One Nation-One poll,' says Narendra Modi on Rashtriya Ekta Diwas

The Kerala Assembly on Thursday (Oct 10) passed a resolution, opposing the 'One Nation, One Election' proposal in a significant pushback against the central government.&nbsp;

The resolution was moved by the southern Indian state's parliamentary affairs minister, MB Rajesh&nbsp;on behalf of Chief Minister Pinarayi&nbsp;Vijayan, who was absent due to health reasons.&nbsp;

“It is anti-democratic to treat elections for Parliament, state assemblies, and local self-government bodies merely as an expense. This is an attempt to erode India’s rich cultural, social, and political diversity,” said Rajesh.&nbsp;

“Destroying the federal system enshrined in the Constitution is tantamount to denying the rights of state and local governments, and it also challenges the fundamental rights of the people,” he added.

The support for the motion was unanimous as the opposition, led by&nbsp;Mannarkad MLA N Samsudheen, granted his full support.&nbsp;Samsudheen said the proposal impacted the country's federal structure, adding that it was a threat to state governance and democratic processes.&nbsp;

With the passing of the resolution, Kerala has become the first state to oppose the move. Apart from Kerala, West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee and Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin - both part of the INDIA bloc, have voiced concerns against the proposal.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bjp-led-nda-govt-in-india-to-implement-one-nation-one-election-within-its-current-tenure-report-758896" target="_blank">Also read |&nbsp;NDA govt to implement ‘One Nation, One Election’ in India during current term: Report</a>

<h2>Cabinet approves 'One Nation, One Election'</h2>

It was last month that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government&nbsp;approved the proposal for 'One Nation One Election', which has been a key poll promise by the BJP.&nbsp;

The approval was granted after a report prepared by a high-level panel headed by former President Ram Nath Kovind was presented before the cabinet.

The panel in March this year recommended simultaneous elections for the Lok Sabha and state assemblies as the first step, followed by synchronised local body polls within 100 days.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/one-nation-one-election-explained-what-is-it-and-how-it-will-work-700187" target="_blank">Watch |&nbsp;'One Nation, One Election' Explained; What is it and How it will work</a>

<iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/one-nation-one-election-explained-what-is-it-and-how-it-will-work-700187/embed" width="560"></iframe>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-narendra-modis-union-cabinet-approves-one-nation-one-election-in-india-759753#" id="jqclosemark">×</a>

<h2>Previous instance&nbsp;</h2>

Elections (to the House of the People and Legislative Assemblies of States) were mostly held simultaneously from 1951-52 to 1967, after which this cycle was broken.

The panel is of the view that holding simultaneous polls will help save resources, spur development and social cohesion. It will also deepen the "foundations of the democratic rubric" and help realise the aspirations of "India that is Bharat".

(With inputs from agencies)

The Kerala Assembly on Thursday (Oct 10) passed a resolution, opposing the 'One Nation, One Election' proposal in a significant pushback against the central government.

The Kerala Assembly on Thursday (Oct 10) passed a resolution, opposing the 'One Nation, One Election' proposal in a significant pushback against the central government. The resolution was moved by the southern Indian state's parliamentary affairs minister, MB Rajesh on behalf of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, who was absent due to health reasons. “It is anti-democratic to treat elections for Parliament, state assemblies, and local self-government bodies merely as an expense. This is an attempt to erode India’s rich cultural, social, and political diversity,” said Rajesh. “Destroying the federal system enshrined in the Constitution is tantamount to denying the rights of state and local governments, and it also challenges the fundamental rights of the people,” he added. The support for the motion was unanimous as the opposition, led by Mannarkad MLA N Samsudheen, granted his full support. Samsudheen said the proposal impacted the country's federal structure, adding that it was a threat to state governance and democratic processes. With the passing of the resolution, Kerala has become the first state to oppose the move. Apart from Kerala, West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee and Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin - both part of the INDIA bloc, have voiced concerns against the proposal. Also read | NDA govt to implement ‘One Nation, One Election’ in India during current term: Report Cabinet approves 'One Nation, One Election' It was last month that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government approved the proposal for 'One Nation One Election', which has been a key poll promise by the BJP. The approval was granted after a report prepared by a high-level panel headed by former President Ram Nath Kovind was presented before the cabinet. The panel in March this year recommended simultaneous elections for the Lok Sabha and state assemblies as the first step, followed by synchronised local body polls within 100 days. Watch | 'One Nation, One Election' Explained; What is it and How it will work × Previous instance Elections (to the House of the People and Legislative Assemblies of States) were mostly held simultaneously from 1951-52 to 1967, after which this cycle was broken. The panel is of the view that holding simultaneous polls will help save resources, spur development and social cohesion. It will also deepen the "foundations of the democratic rubric" and help realise the aspirations of "India that is Bharat". (With inputs from agencies)

India: Kerala Assembly passes motion opposing BJP's 'One Nation, One Poll' proposal

To explore the possibility of 'one nation, one election.' The development has prompted questions on whether central and state governments can hold simultaneous polls? Molly Gambhir brings you a report.

Gravitas:  'One Nation, One Poll' In India Soon? Modi Govt Forms Panel Led By Ram Nath Kovind

BSP chief Mayawati on Wednesday said that holding simultaneous national and state elections "appears to be an undemocratic and unconstitutional" idea for a vast country like India as she declined to attend an all-party meeting called by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the issue.

She said that elections in any democracy can never be a problem "nor elections should be weighed from the point of view of expenditure and extravagance".

'One nation, one election' is not an issue before the country, she said. "Elections through ballot papers are actually the national issue and our party will continue its struggle for it."

The BSP president said it was a new drama of the BJP to divert attention from the concerns over "attempts to hijack" democracy through alleged irregularities in the working of electronic voting machine (EVMs).

"Even the idea of one nation, one election for the world's biggest democracy like India, prima facie, appears to be undemocratic and unconstitutional," she said in a party release issued here, asking the BJP to desist from works and mentality that harm constitution and democracy.

Mayawati said she would have attended the all-party meeting called by the prime minister if it was to address a "national concern" over EVMs. She described the idea of simultaneous Lok Sabha and assembly polls as a ploy to divert attention from issues like poverty.

Mayawati's comments come on the day an all-party meeting has been convened by Modi to discuss several issues, including the idea of "one nation, one election", the celebration of 150 years of Mahatma Gandhi's birth anniversary this year and 75 years of Independence in 2022.

The BSP chief alleged that the people's faith in the electronic voting machines (EVMs) had dwindled to a "worrisome level". 
 
"The stubbornness of conducting elections through electronic voting machines instead of the ballot paper is the real threat to the democracy and Constitution of the country.

"The 'one nation, one election' is, in fact, an attempt to divert the attention from burning national issues such as poverty, inflation, unemployment and increase in violence, and is simply an illusion."

The "one nation, one election", a part of the Bharatiya Janata Party's Lok Sabha election manifesto, has made the Opposition wary of the prospects.

In August last year, the Law Commission had recommended holding simultaneous elections to the Lok Sabha and state assemblies to save public money.&nbsp;

In its draft recommendations, the commission had said simultaneous polls, with an exception of Jammu and Kashmir, would help the government of the day focus on "developmental activities rather than electioneering".

It, however, cautioned that holding simultaneous elections was not possible within the existing framework of the Constitution. 
 
After Modi addressed a NITI Aayog meeting last week, an official release said, "The Prime Minister called for widespread debate and consultations on simultaneous elections for Lok Sabha and Vidhan Sabhas, keeping in view various aspects such as the resulting financial savings and consequent better utilisation of resources."

The Niti Aayog had last year suggested synchronised two-phase Lok Sabha and Assembly polls from 2024 to ensure minimum campaign-mode disruption to governance.&nbsp;

BSP chief Mayawati on Wednesday said that holding simultaneous national and state elections "appears to be an undemocratic and unconstitutional" idea for a vast country like India as she declined to attend an all-party meeting called by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the issue.

BSP chief Mayawati on Wednesday said that holding simultaneous national and state elections "appears to be an undemocratic and unconstitutional" idea for a vast country like India as she declined to attend an all-party meeting called by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the issue. She said that elections in any democracy can never be a problem "nor elections should be weighed from the point of view of expenditure and extravagance". 'One nation, one election' is not an issue before the country, she said. "Elections through ballot papers are actually the national issue and our party will continue its struggle for it." The BSP president said it was a new drama of the BJP to divert attention from the concerns over "attempts to hijack" democracy through alleged irregularities in the working of electronic voting machine (EVMs). "Even the idea of one nation, one election for the world's biggest democracy like India, prima facie, appears to be undemocratic and unconstitutional," she said in a party release issued here, asking the BJP to desist from works and mentality that harm constitution and democracy. Mayawati said she would have attended the all-party meeting called by the prime minister if it was to address a "national concern" over EVMs. She described the idea of simultaneous Lok Sabha and assembly polls as a ploy to divert attention from issues like poverty. Mayawati's comments come on the day an all-party meeting has been convened by Modi to discuss several issues, including the idea of "one nation, one election", the celebration of 150 years of Mahatma Gandhi's birth anniversary this year and 75 years of Independence in 2022. The BSP chief alleged that the people's faith in the electronic voting machines (EVMs) had dwindled to a "worrisome level". "The stubbornness of conducting elections through electronic voting machines instead of the ballot paper is the real threat to the democracy and Constitution of the country. "The 'one nation, one election' is, in fact, an attempt to divert the attention from burning national issues such as poverty, inflation, unemployment and increase in violence, and is simply an illusion." The "one nation, one election", a part of the Bharatiya Janata Party's Lok Sabha election manifesto, has made the Opposition wary of the prospects. In August last year, the Law Commission had recommended holding simultaneous elections to the Lok Sabha and state assemblies to save public money. In its draft recommendations, the commission had said simultaneous polls, with an exception of Jammu and Kashmir, would help the government of the day focus on "developmental activities rather than electioneering". It, however, cautioned that holding simultaneous elections was not possible within the existing framework of the Constitution. After Modi addressed a NITI Aayog meeting last week, an official release said, "The Prime Minister called for widespread debate and consultations on simultaneous elections for Lok Sabha and Vidhan Sabhas, keeping in view various aspects such as the resulting financial savings and consequent better utilisation of resources." The Niti Aayog had last year suggested synchronised two-phase Lok Sabha and Assembly polls from 2024 to ensure minimum campaign-mode disruption to governance.

'Would've attended all-party meet if it was about EVMs,' says Mayawati

The world’s largest democratic election is already in the process. Around 900 million people are eligible to vote, 53 million for the first time. It is not only the 'largest democratic exercise' in history, but it is also among the world’s most expensive. The cost of ensuring democracy is increasing day by day. From 1951 to 2019 the expense per vote has increased many folds. One should not take it lightly while thinking about voting. &nbsp;

The irony of the matter lies in the fact that the Election Commission (EC) puts expenditure limit as only Rs. 50 lakh to 70 lakh per candidate to campaign for his/her election. The configuration of elections has changed post-independence. Now the mode of transport is no more the ‘Paidal Yatras’ but helicopters have taken over it. The mode of advertisements have also changed in this electronic age; now they have their own websites, blogs, Facebook pages and Twitter handle over the internet and a hefty sum is spent over them.&nbsp;

There’s no denying the fact that elections are an expensive affair in India. In 1952, Rs 10.45 crore was spent on conducting the first general election by the government. The expenditure was less than Rs 100 crore till the 8th general election in 1984-85.

The expenditure crossed Rs 500 crore for the first time during the 11th general election in 1996 and it crossed Rs 1000 crore during the 14th general election in 2004. In 2009 Lok Sabha polls, the cost to the exchequer was Rs 1114.4 crores. In 2014, Lok Sabha elections were most expensive entailing a cost of Rs 3870 crore to the national exchequer. &nbsp;

Regardless of the ubiquity of various offers and favours, a number of factors explain why campaigns are getting more expensive.&nbsp;

First, a slow and steady increase in the size of various constituencies may play a major role. By March 2019, the voter size in the country already swelled by a record-breaking number of 52.6 million. This increase is because of the post-Millennia’s — the ones born at the dawn of the 21st century. They have come of age at a crucial time and no political party can afford to ignore. Simply, increasing populations require candidates to spend more. &nbsp;

Secondly, in the new age of electronic media, there are changes in campaigning strategies. While radio and television have emerged as the preferred traditional media platform, all political parties have gone beyond it this year. A series of amusing videos, which entered into people's screens through WhatsApp and YouTube, which increase the cost of the campaigning. &nbsp;

Thirdly, and most importantly, a steady rise in the number of candidates and competition has sparked a race in campaign spending. &nbsp; 
 
How to reduce the cost of elections:

To reduce the overall cost of conducting the election, we should think about One Nation One Election. The basic idea behind this concept is to conduct a single election for the Lok Sabha, the State Legislatures and the local governments in place of series of elections done regularly over a period of time. This concept is increasingly growing popular within India as many eminent political leaders have put forth their views over its application within India, which includes Narendra Modi (Prime Minister of India), former President of India Pranab Mukherjee and also Ram Nath Kovind (President of India). 
 
In Indian democracy, the number of candidates has been increased, political competition has also increased and the cost of campaigning has also amplified. ‘One Nation One Election’ is a much-awaited policy, which after implementation shall completely change the electoral scenario in India. Hence for this general election, vote wisely to safeguard the democratic process in India.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

(The article is co-authored by Meenakshi. She is currently pursuing a PhD&nbsp;in Political Science from Amity University)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.) 
&nbsp;

The world’s largest democratic election is already in the process. Around 900 million people are eligible to vote, 53 million for the first time. It is not only the 'largest democratic exercise' in history, but it is also among the world’s most expensive.

The world’s largest democratic election is already in the process. Around 900 million people are eligible to vote, 53 million for the first time. It is not only the 'largest democratic exercise' in history, but it is also among the world’s most expensive. The cost of ensuring democracy is increasing day by day. From 1951 to 2019 the expense per vote has increased many folds. One should not take it lightly while thinking about voting.  The irony of the matter lies in the fact that the Election Commission (EC) puts expenditure limit as only Rs. 50 lakh to 70 lakh per candidate to campaign for his/her election. The configuration of elections has changed post-independence. Now the mode of transport is no more the ‘Paidal Yatras’ but helicopters have taken over it. The mode of advertisements have also changed in this electronic age; now they have their own websites, blogs, Facebook pages and Twitter handle over the internet and a hefty sum is spent over them. There’s no denying the fact that elections are an expensive affair in India. In 1952, Rs 10.45 crore was spent on conducting the first general election by the government. The expenditure was less than Rs 100 crore till the 8th general election in 1984-85. The expenditure crossed Rs 500 crore for the first time during the 11th general election in 1996 and it crossed Rs 1000 crore during the 14th general election in 2004. In 2009 Lok Sabha polls, the cost to the exchequer was Rs 1114.4 crores. In 2014, Lok Sabha elections were most expensive entailing a cost of Rs 3870 crore to the national exchequer. Regardless of the ubiquity of various offers and favours, a number of factors explain why campaigns are getting more expensive. First, a slow and steady increase in the size of various constituencies may play a major role. By March 2019, the voter size in the country already swelled by a record-breaking number of 52.6 million. This increase is because of the post-Millennia’s — the ones born at the dawn of the 21st century. They have come of age at a crucial time and no political party can afford to ignore. Simply, increasing populations require candidates to spend more. Secondly, in the new age of electronic media, there are changes in campaigning strategies. While radio and television have emerged as the preferred traditional media platform, all political parties have gone beyond it this year. A series of amusing videos, which entered into people's screens through WhatsApp and YouTube, which increase the cost of the campaigning. Thirdly, and most importantly, a steady rise in the number of candidates and competition has sparked a race in campaign spending. How to reduce the cost of elections: To reduce the overall cost of conducting the election, we should think about One Nation One Election. The basic idea behind this concept is to conduct a single election for the Lok Sabha, the State Legislatures and the local governments in place of series of elections done regularly over a period of time. This concept is increasingly growing popular within India as many eminent political leaders have put forth their views over its application within India, which includes Narendra Modi (Prime Minister of India), former President of India Pranab Mukherjee and also Ram Nath Kovind (President of India). In Indian democracy, the number of candidates has been increased, political competition has also increased and the cost of campaigning has also amplified. ‘One Nation One Election’ is a much-awaited policy, which after implementation shall completely change the electoral scenario in India. Hence for this general election, vote wisely to safeguard the democratic process in India. (The article is co-authored by Meenakshi. She is currently pursuing a PhD in Political Science from Amity University) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Lok Sabha polls 2019: 'One nation, one election' will help India reduce the poll expenses