Devendra Fadnavis: Include local bodies in ‘One Nation, One Election’

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Friday asserted that ‘One Nation, One Election’ should extend across local bodies along with Lok Sabha and state Assembly to avoid repeated enforcement of the Model of Code of Conduct that adversely affects the process of development.

While addressing the International Conclave on Right to Democracy and Its Functioning organised by the State Election Commission, CM Fadnavis said, “One nation, one election is must. It should not be confined to just Lok Sabha and state Assembly polls. But it should bring within its ambit all local body elections.”

“The electoral process that comes with an implementation of the Model of Code of Conduct often hampers the process of decision making and execution. It affects developmental work,” he added.

Citing a study conducted by a state committee, led by Finance Minister Sudhir Mungantiwar, the Chief Minister said, “In a given year, when we did the survey, it was noted that 300 days were under the Model Code of Conduct out of the 365 days. Which means the administration had to exercise caution and not take new policy decisions or executive decisions, which would be perceived as populist.”

In the end, he emphasized on greater participation of people. “In Australia, they have made voting compulsory. Now, I am not suggesting the same here. But there should be some measures taken to ensure larger public participation. It should be self-driven. Irrespective of political inclinations and ideologies, individuals should consider it their duty to cast their votes,” he concluded.

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