Saints rally in support of ‘One Nation, One Election’; call the initiative essential for the national interest.
Haridwar. The community of saints engaged in an extensive dialogue regarding the ‘One Nation, One Election’ initiative during a gathering held at the ancient Avdhoot Mandal Ashram. The participating saints and seers supported this initiative, describing it as crucial for the country. They noted that numerous movements and campaigns originating from the soil of Haridwar have steered the nation in a new direction; similarly, the awareness raised by the saint community regarding ‘One Nation, One Election’ is expected to achieve its objective.
Various saints and religious leaders participated in the gathering. Discussions focused on the concept of holding simultaneous elections for the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies across the country. Expressing their views, the saints observed that frequent elections impact both the administrative machinery and development activities. They highlighted that implementing a system of simultaneous elections would lead to savings in time and resources.
Mahamandaleshwar Karauli Shankar Maharaj of the Naya Akhada stated that the community of saints stands united in support of the ‘One Nation, One Election’ initiative. He expressed confidence that this resolve would be realized in the future. He added that the saint community has consistently played a role in addressing significant national issues and will continue to firmly voice its stance on matters concerning the national interest.
Mahamandaleshwar Karauli Shankar Maharaj remarked that while elections are a vital component of the democratic system, the occurrence of elections at different times creates a prolonged electoral atmosphere across the country. Consequently, if a framework is established to hold Lok Sabha and Assembly elections simultaneously—in accordance with constitutional and legal provisions—there should be a positive and widespread public discussion regarding its various aspects.
The saints present at the gathering emphasized that Haridwar is not merely a religious and spiritual city but also a major hub of social and national consciousness. Messages concerning social reform and the national interest have frequently emanated from this place. They noted that a voice raised in Haridwar resonates across the entire nation; hence, the dialogue held here regarding ‘One Nation, One Election’ is considered highly significant. The saints stated that the issue of ‘One Nation, One Election’ should not be confined merely to political parties; rather, its potential benefits, challenges, and constitutional aspects should be discussed across various sections of society. Public participation is paramount in a democracy, and any major change to the electoral system should be pursued only through extensive deliberation and established constitutional processes.
During the event, the saints also raised concerns regarding election-related expenditure and the utilization of administrative resources. They noted that holding elections at different times across various states necessitates the deployment of a vast number of administrative officials and security personnel. Furthermore, a significant portion of the government machinery remains occupied with election-related duties throughout the electoral process.
The saints believe that if a system of simultaneous elections were practically implemented, it would allow the administration to work on development schemes with greater continuity. However, implementing such a system would require fulfilling the necessary constitutional and legal procedures.
Speakers at the gathering emphasized that voter awareness and high voter turnout are essential for strengthening democracy. Merely altering the electoral system is insufficient; it is equally important to encourage citizens to participate actively in the democratic process. The community of saints can play a vital role in raising public awareness in this regard.
The saints stressed the need to unite society around issues of national interest. There should be a dialogue among the people regarding any major change, and diverse viewpoints must be heard. While expressing support for ‘One Nation, One Election,’ the saints also highlighted the need for public awareness on the matter.
The issue of ‘One Nation, One Election’ was prominently raised during this gathering of saints held at the ancient Avadhoot Mandal Ashram. The saints noted that many campaigns originating in Haridwar have achieved success, and they expressed hope that the dialogue initiated on this subject would gain momentum across the country. Mahamandaleshwar Karauli Shankar Maharaj reiterated that the saints are united in this initiative and fully support it.