KD NEWS SERVICE
JAMMU, Dec 17: Satish Sharma, Cabinet Minister in Jammu and Kashmir, Tuesday advocated a balanced and optimistic outlook on the ‘One Nation, One Election’ proposal, stating that the initiative could bring significant fiscal relief by reducing costs and saving national resources.
Speaking to reporters in Udhampur, Sharma called for a careful examination of the proposal before making any conclusive decisions.
“I haven’t thoroughly analyzed the draft yet, but if it leads to substantial savings for taxpayers and eases the financial burden on the country, it is certainly worth serious consideration,” he said.
Sharma stressed on the importance of collective discussions, particularly with Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, to ensure an informed and unified approach on the matter.
Drawing on past examples, Sharma noted that India successfully conducted simultaneous elections in its early post-independence years, which helped streamline administrative processes and reduce costs. He also cited Europe’s electoral systems, where concurrent elections are practiced, as evidence that such an idea is both practical and feasible.
Reiterating the need for fiscal efficiency, Sharma stressed that governance must prioritize policies that save resources and serve the interests of taxpayers. “If this proposal aligns with those goals, it should be explored further with due diligence,” he added.(KINS)
