'One Nation, One Election' will empower voters, save resources: Tripura CM Manik Saha

Agartala, April 21: Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha on Sunday said that frequent elections throughout the year hinder development work, waste financial resources, and disrupt normal life. He emphasised that if 'One Nation, One Election' is implemented, then voters can exercise their democratic rights properly.

"To make the democratic process more citizen-friendly and development-oriented, the government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has introduced the One Nation, One Election bill in Parliament," said CM Saha.

The Chief Minister said this while addressing a discussion on One Nation, One Election organised by the BJP Tripura Pradesh Legal Cell at Sukanta Academy in Agartala.

"PM Modi is taking one decision after another, and he fulfils it. In the case of Triple Talaq, we saw many crocodile tears criticising it, but PM Modi scrapped it. Many said it would create riots, but nothing happened. We have only one himmatwala and a true leader -- Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Since independence, we have had two true leaders: Atal Bihari Vajpayee and now PM Modi," he said.

Speaking on the issue of the Waqf Amendment Act, CM Saha said, "Many have spoken about Waqf, but what have they done? They can occupy any land whenever they want illegally. They occupy government lands too, claiming it as Waqf land, which we were not aware of. PM Modi said this needs amendment, and now it has become the Waqf Amendment Act, 2025. Some people are trying to create issues, but these are the needs of the hour. PM Modi has been working for the welfare of the people."

"Three criminal laws were also developed and changed, and now anyone can go to any police station and file an FIR. One Nation, One Election is implemented in many countries, so why not in our country? In 2047, Vikshit Bharat means presenting the country free from bad traditions and corruption, and creating a comfortable zone. Whatever the Opposition is claiming has no basis. They are doing politics just for their survival," the Chief Minister added.

Tripura Chief Minister further said that a huge amount of money and time is spent during elections.

"If One Nation, One Election starts, then voters can implement their rights properly. Even during normal elections, development work is hampered, along with education, as maximum manpower is taken from the education department. We must support it," he added.

BJP State President and Rajya Sabha MP Rajib Bhattacharya, Chief Whip Kalyani Roy, BJP Vice President Subal Bhowmik, and social worker Dr Ashok Sinha were present in the event.

Reader Comments

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Rahul K.

This makes so much sense! The amount of resources wasted on frequent elections is insane. We could use that money for actual development projects. Kudos to PM Modi for pushing this reform 🇮🇳

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Priya M.

While I agree about saving resources, I'm concerned this might reduce accountability. What if a government performs poorly mid-term? Shouldn't voters have the right to change them sooner?

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Sunil T.

Finally someone said it! My kids' school exams keep getting postponed because teachers are on election duty. Education should never suffer because of politics.

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Ananya R.

The Waqf Amendment Act was much needed! Land grabbing has been a serious issue in my hometown too. Glad the government is taking concrete steps 👏

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Vikram S.

Respectfully disagree with CM Saha's comparison of PM Modi to Vajpayee ji. While both are great leaders, their governance styles and challenges were completely different. Let's not oversimplify history.

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Neha P.

One Nation One Election sounds good in theory, but how will it work with coalition governments? What if a state government collapses? Need more clarity on these aspects...

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.