New Delhi [India], April 30 (ANI): Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Wednesday morning flagged off the 'One Nation, One Election' run organised under the Delhi University mega run and said that frequent elections, which take a toll on revenue, were 'not good' for the country's development.

He also stated that the country understands the 'One Nation, One Election' as a people's movement.

Advocating for political stability to achieve superpower status, the Union Minister stated that elections were held together until the 1960s, but the schedule has been disrupted in the last 40 years.

'The elections were held together at once after Independence. It used to happen till the 1960s. This schedule has been disrupted in the last 40 years. If India needs to develop and become a superpower, political stability in the country and its states is required. The frequent elections take a toll on time and revenue, which is not good for the country's development,' Pradhan said while addressing the gathering here.

'The country understands 'One Nation, One Election' as a people's movement. This run has been organised to strengthen the country,' he added.

He lauded the efforts of the University of Delhi in organising the run for the 'One Nation, One Election' program, saying that the central university has been at the forefront in implementing such ideas.

'It has been the history of Delhi University, since before Independence, whenever there is a new ideation...it comes from here. Delhi University remains at the forefront while implementing such ideas. Ambedkar University and Rai Sports University are also participating in this run for the 'One Nation, One Election' program. Many students are also here,' Pradhan said.

The Constitution 129th Amendment Bill, 2024, and The Union Territories Laws Amendment Bill, 2024, were introduced in the Lok Sabha during the Winter Session of Parliament to achieve one nation, one election. They propose simultaneous elections to the Lok Sabha and state assemblies across the country. The bill was referred to the JPC for scrutiny and discussion.

Opposition members have been opposing the amendments and have argued that the proposed change could disproportionately benefit the ruling party, giving it undue influence over the electoral process in states and undermining the autonomy of regional parties. They have also argued that the bills proposing simultaneous elections are against the federal structure. (ANI)