In her Republic Day 2025 speech, President Droupadi Murmu advocated for ‘One Nation, One Election,’ emphasizing its role in preventing policy paralysis

President Droupadi Murmu Advocates for ‘One Nation, One Election’ in Republic Day 2025 Speech

In her Republic Day address to the nation, President Droupadi Murmu made a compelling case for the implementation of ‘One Nation, One Election,’ highlighting its potential to streamline governance and prevent policy paralysis. Her speech, delivered from the historic Red Fort, resonated with themes of unity, efficiency, and democratic reform.  

“Frequent elections, while a cornerstone of our vibrant democracy, often lead to a cycle of policy stagnation and administrative delays,” President Murmu stated. “By synchronizing elections at all levels—central, state, and local—we can ensure sustained focus on development and governance, rather than perpetual campaigning.”  

The concept of ‘One Nation, One Election’ has been a topic of debate for years, with proponents arguing that it would reduce the enormous costs associated with conducting multiple elections and allow governments to focus on long-term planning. Critics, however, have raised concerns about its feasibility and potential impact on federalism.  

President Murmu addressed these concerns head-on, emphasizing the need for consensus-building among political parties and states. “This is not about centralizing power but about creating a framework that fosters cooperation and efficiency. It is a step toward a more cohesive and forward-looking India,” she said.  

Her speech also touched upon the broader implications of synchronized elections, including reduced disruption to public services, minimized use of resources, and a more focused approach to addressing critical issues such as climate change, economic growth, and social welfare.  

The President’s remarks come at a time when the government has been actively engaging with stakeholders to build support for the initiative. A high-level committee, formed last year, has been consulting with legal experts, political leaders, and civil society to address logistical and constitutional challenges.  

Reactions to the speech have been mixed. While leaders from the ruling party hailed it as a visionary step, opposition figures expressed caution. “While the idea has merit, it must not come at the cost of undermining the federal structure or the diversity of our democracy,” said a senior opposition leader.  

Citizens, too, have weighed in on the debate. “If it means less disruption and more development, I’m all for it,” said Ramesh Kumar, a small business owner from Lucknow. However, others, like college student Priya Sharma, worry about the potential sidelining of regional issues. “Elections are a time when local concerns get attention. We must ensure that doesn’t get lost,” she said.  

As the nation celebrates its 76th Republic Day, President Murmu’s call for ‘One Nation, One Election’ has sparked a renewed conversation about the future of India’s democratic processes. Whether the idea gains widespread acceptance or faces further scrutiny, one thing is clear: the pursuit of a more efficient and united India remains at the heart of the discourse.