Shivraj Chouhan Urges Saints to Build Support for One Nation, One Election

Haridwar, August 23, 2026; Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Sunday called for wider public support for the proposed ‘One Nation, One Election’ framework, saying repeated elections consume significant time and resources that could otherwise be used for development.

Addressing a gathering of saints at Avadhoot Mandal Ashram in Haridwar, Chouhan said simultaneous elections to the Lok Sabha and state Assemblies could reduce the administrative and financial burden associated with conducting polls at frequent intervals.

The Union Minister argued that election-related duties often divert government machinery from public welfare and development activities. He also pointed to the involvement of schools and administrative institutions in election arrangements, saying that frequent polls can affect the normal functioning of these institutions.

Chouhan appealed to religious leaders and saints to raise awareness about the proposal through their public discourses. He said their reach among followers could help generate a broader discussion on the issue beyond political considerations.

He described ‘One Nation, One Election’ as a matter of national importance rather than an initiative linked to any single political party. According to Chouhan, reducing the frequency of elections could help the administration maintain greater continuity in development programmes and public services.

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, who was also present at the event, voiced his support for the proposal. He said both the state government and he personally would work towards strengthening public backing for the initiative.

During his address, Chouhan also spoke about Vande Mataram and urged saints to promote the complete rendition of the national song. He described it as an expression of patriotism and national unity and said there should be no political or communal controversy over showing respect to the motherland.

Chouhan further appealed to the saint community to support efforts aimed at strengthening national unity and contributing to India‘s development and self-reliance.