Indian elections are like a constant cycle of weddings

Let me tell you the story of a sprawling Indian joint family. Three generations under one roof, steeped in tradition, brimming with laughter, chaos, and the occasional kitchen politics. But, there is just one catch—every six months, there is a wedding in the family. Each time, the house is turned on its head, furniture dragged into corners, school schedules upended, daily life suspended to make room for guests, caterers, rituals, and rehearsals. And just when the last garland has withered and the lights are packed away, it is time to print the next invitation card!

 

Now substitute that house with India. In the world’s largest democracy, elections are sacred, but they are also ceaseless. From panchayat polls to parliamentary votes, the country remains in a constant state of campaign mode. Elections in India create a kind of political shaadi season that never ends.

 

I say this not merely as an observer, but as someone with first-hand experience. In just the first 10 months of my tenure as member of Parliament, I have already witnessed and participated in four major elections. The Lok Sabha elections themselves, followed closely by the assembly polls in Haryana, Maharashtra, and, most recently, Delhi, in February 2025.

 

Elections, vital as they are, consume disproportionate resources, attention, and time. India spends thousands of crores each year on logistics, security, manpower, and polling infrastructure. Each election brings with it fresh political messaging, exhausting campaigns, imposition of the model code of conduct, suspension of administrative decisions, redirection of bureaucratic machinery and most crucially, a pause in governance.

 

Today, under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India stands at the cusp of a historic reform to end this cycle of repetitive elections and usher in a new era of synchronised democracy. The idea of One Nation One Election (ONOE) envisions a return to synchronised polls for both the Lok Sabha and the legislative assemblies. It offers governments the stability to plan boldly, act swiftly, and execute thoroughly, without constantly glancing over their shoulders at the next, impending poll.

 

One Nation One Election promises a full five-year term dedicated to policy rather than politics. It enables consistent delivery of welfare schemes, faster decision-making, and a more predictable administrative climate. Most importantly it will empower the citizens to judge governments on the strength of their performance and not on populist theatrics.

 

One Nation One Election is not a novel experiment or a radical departure, but is a return to our constitutional roots and rhythm that India once followed. From 1952 to 1967, elections to the Lok Sabha and the assemblies were held simultaneously, as was envisioned by the founding fathers. It was only in 1968–69, after the premature dissolution of several state assemblies, that the harmony was disrupted, plunging the nation into an endless cycle of elections.

 

Some critics argue that simultaneous elections could dilute regional narratives. While such concerns may stem from genuine caution, they are ultimately unfounded. Synchrony does not mean uniformity. Indian voters have repeatedly demonstrated maturity and intelligence, often electing one party at the Centre and another in the state, even when the voting took place on the same day. One Nation One Election only eliminates duplication, delay, and distraction, whilst preserving diversity and federalism.

 

To put it simply, a family caught in the chaos of constant weddings finds little time to build its home. One thoughtful and well-planned celebration brings clarity, purpose and the freedom to live, grow and plan for the future. One Nation One Election is that celebration of democracy, a bold reset and the launchpad for our collective resolve of a Viksit Bharat by 2047.

 

Bansuri Swaraj is the Lok Sabha member from New Delhi.

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