Odisha CM supports ‘One Nation, One Election’

Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Minister and Biju Janata Dal (BJD) president Naveen Patnaik on Wednesday came out in support of the concept of ‘One Nation, One Election’.

“Frequent elections affect the pace of development and also rock the spirit of cooperative federalism. BJD will fully support the idea of ‘One nation One election’. There has to be a give and take attitude in the larger interest of country,” said Patnaik while speaking at the all-party meeting convened by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi.

Patnaik also said that Mahatma Gandhi’s idea of non-violence should be included in the Preamble of the Constitution.

“As regards celebrating the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhiji, as I had earlier suggested, we may consider including the uniquely Indian ideal of ‘non-violence’ or ‘Ahimsa’, in the Preamble of India’s Constitution. This will ensure that future generations not just of Indians but people around the world will be reminded of the profound truth of this principle,” he said.

“No country has ever progressed without empowering half of its population. BJD will extend complete support to women’s reservation both in Lok Sabha and Assembly elections,” he said.