'Reforms of such magnitude require an audacity of vision': President Murmu backs ONOE bill

President Droupadi Murmu

In a speech marking the eve of the 76th Republic Day, President Droupadi Murmu hailed the 'One Nation One Election' bill as a landmark reform, calling it a measure that will "redefine the terms of good governance." She emphasized that the proposed legislation, aimed at synchronizing electoral schedules across India, would help address "policy paralysis, mitigate resource diversion, and reduce the financial burden" of conducting multiple elections throughout the year.

"The 'One Nation One Election' initiative can promote consistency in governance and ensure better management of resources while preventing disruptions caused by frequent election cycles," President Murmu said. She added that such reforms require bold vision and commitment to transforming the political landscape of India.

The idea of simultaneous elections has long been advocated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who has frequently pointed to the financial and logistical strain caused by repeated electoral processes. Former President Ram Nath Kovind, who chaired a committee on the matter, argued that the concept of synchronised elections was originally envisioned by the framers of the Indian Constitution. He noted that the first four general elections were held together, challenging the view that simultaneous polls are unconstitutional.

However, the proposal has faced strong opposition from the Congress Party, which has labeled it as anti-democratic and against the federal structure of the Constitution. The Congress has vowed to resist the idea "tooth and nail," citing concerns over its impact on India's democratic framework.

While the 'One Nation One Election' bill seeks to align electoral cycles, key challenges remain, particularly regarding the handling of situations like the dissolution of Houses, President’s Rule, or the occurrence of hung assemblies or Parliaments.

President Murmu also highlighted the government's ongoing efforts to replace colonial-era laws with more modern, progressive legislation. She pointed to the introduction of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, which focus on delivering justice, especially for women and children, rather than merely punishing offenders.

On the economic front, the President commended India’s sustained high growth rate, which has spurred job creation, improved farmer incomes, and reduced poverty levels. She underscored the government's commitment to inclusive growth, emphasizing access to basic necessities such as housing and clean drinking water as entitlements for all citizens.

The President also acknowledged the progress made in supporting marginalized communities, including Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and Other Backward Classes (OBC).

In her speech, President Murmu celebrated the inclusive nature of the Constituent Assembly, highlighting the significant roles played by women members in shaping India’s democratic foundation. "Indian women were actively engaged in the nation's destiny when gender equality was still a distant goal in many parts of the world," she remarked.

Reflecting on the evolution of the Constitution over the past 75 years, the President reaffirmed its role as a living document that has shaped India's identity and guided its progress. She also paid tribute to the nation’s freedom fighters, including Mahatma Gandhi, Rabindranath Tagore, and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, for their contributions to the democratic ideals that continue to drive the nation forward.

"Justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity are not just modern concepts; they have always been integral to our civilizational heritage," she concluded, asserting that the sceptics of India's constitutional journey have been proven wrong.