DARJEELING,: Darjeeling MLA Neeraj Zimba has welcomed the upcoming ‘One Nation,
One Election’ Bill to be presented in the Lok Sabha, maintaining that for the
Indian Gorkha community, this Bill symbolized not just electoral reform but an
acknowledgment of their role in contributing to the nation’s progress.
In a press
release on Sunday, Zimba said, "The upcoming presentation of the 'One
Nation, One Election' Bill in the Lok Sabha on December 16, 2024 marks a
pivotal moment in India's democratic journey."
He said
that this initiative, spearheaded by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home
Minister Amit Shah, stands as a testament to their commitment to streamlining
governance, reducing inefficiencies, and strengthening the democratic fabric of
the nation.
“As the
elected MLA of Darjeeling and a member of the Gorkha National Liberation Front
(GNLF), an NDA alliance partner, I take immense pride in being part of this
historic initiative. The GNLF has always stood unwaveringly with the NDA in
championing national interest and progressive reforms, and this Bill further
strengthens our collective commitment to nation-building,” said Zimba.
"Frequent
elections have long disrupted governance, drained national resources, and
hindered developmental momentum. The 'One Nation, One Election' Bill offers a
comprehensive solution to these challenges by synchronizing elections, thereby
reducing costs and enabling governments to focus exclusively on policy
implementation and public welfare," he said.
Zimba
added that the GNLF felt proud to stand in solidarity with 32 other national
and regional parties that have come together in support of the Bill.
“While we
laud the far-reaching potential of this Bill, we also recognize the need for
thoughtful deliberation to address regional representation, uphold the
principles of federalism, and ensure its smooth implementation. This proposal
demands political maturity and a willingness to rise above partisan divides to
achieve what is best for the nation as a whole,” the press statement said.
Zimba also
urged all parliamentarians to embrace this opportunity to set a historic
precedent.
"Let
this Bill be a testament to our shared resolve to place national interest above
all else and create a democratic system that works for every citizen. Together,
let us make history with the passage of the 'One Nation, One Election' Bill and
demonstrate that India’s democracy is not just the largest in the world but the
most resilient and forward-looking," said Zimba.
