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Chennai:
Union Minister of Finance and Corporate Affairs Nirmala Sitharaman on Saturday refuted the misleading narrative surrounding the 'One Nation, One Election' initiative, by giving clarity that it will not be enacted in the upcoming elections.
Speaking at an event nearby, she pointed out that a total amount of Rs 1 lakh crore was spent during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, emphasizing that substantial savings could be achieved through simultaneous elections.
“If simultaneous elections are held for electing the members of Parliament and Assembly, about 1.5 per cent growth will be added to the country's GDP. In value terms, Rs 4.50 lakh crore will get added to the economy. This is a black and white example of One Nation One Election' concept,” she said.
N Sitharaman accused certain parties of “spreading a false campaign” in relation to the 'One Nation One Election' initiative, arguing that they oppose it without justification.
She clarified that simultaneous elections are scheduled to take place only after 2034 and that the groundwork is currently being laid for the further approval from the President.
"This concept was widely discussed during several occasions. It was not something introduced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This One Nation One Election' was in existence till 1960s. Instead of blindly opposing it, if it has been supported considering its benefit, the One Nation One Election' concept will make the country move forward,” the union minister stated.