BJP Intensifies Nationwide Campaign for Simultaneous Elections: Civil Society at the Heart of Public Outreach

As India moves closer to potentially transforming its electoral process, the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has launched a full-scale, nationwide campaign in support of the “One Nation, One Election” proposal. The idea, long discussed in policy circles, seeks to hold Lok Sabha (national) and state assembly elections simultaneously. While the proposal is currently under review by the Joint Committee of Parliament, the BJP is reaching out to citizens, civil society groups, and opinion-makers across the country to generate support and stimulate debate.

The campaign marks a significant step in the BJP’s broader electoral strategy, aligning political vision with grassroots outreach. According to BJP leaders, public engagement is crucial in building the consensus required for what would be one of India’s most significant democratic reforms.

Civil Society in Focus

In January 2025, Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan chaired a high-level meeting in New Delhi with senior BJP leaders to lay the foundation for an extensive public outreach effort. The focus? To involve civil society in a national conversation about synchronized elections.

Civil society, often seen as the voice of reason between government and the public, plays a key role in shaping public discourse. Recognizing this, the BJP has made it a point to include social organizations, NGOs, academics, legal professionals, and business associations in ongoing discussions. The party believes that a diverse group of stakeholders can not only bring new perspectives but also help foster greater acceptance of the proposal.

“Engaging civil society is vital,” said a senior BJP leader. “We want people to understand the long-term benefits of simultaneous elections — not just in terms of cost savings, but in how it can improve governance and democratic participation.”

Reaching Out Across the Country

As part of its outreach, BJP leaders are set to deliver speeches, attend forums, and engage in structured dialogues across various states. These efforts are also designed to encourage citizens to submit their views to President Droupadi Murmu, adding a layer of participatory democracy to the reform process.

In addition, the BJP is leveraging its organizational network to reach every corner of the country. Local units have been instructed to hold discussions, distribute informational material, and collect feedback from the public.

Party national general secretary Sunil Bansal and national secretary Om Prakash Dhankar are playing pivotal roles in coordinating this outreach at the national level. In critical states like Uttar Pradesh, Dhankar is leading efforts with the help of experienced leaders such as Phagu Chauhan, the former Governor of Bihar and Meghalaya.

These leaders are tasked with holding structured conversations with key groups, including teachers, lawyers, youth organizations, women’s collectives, and retired government officials. They are presenting the benefits of synchronized elections — such as reduced expenditure, uninterrupted governance, and improved voter engagement.

The Political and Economic Argument

Proponents of simultaneous elections argue that India, the world’s largest democracy, spends a substantial amount of money and administrative effort on conducting elections throughout the year. Currently, different states go to the polls at different times, leading to a near-constant “election mode” for political parties and government machinery.

“Simultaneous elections can help avoid policy paralysis caused by the model code of conduct,” said a political analyst from Observer Research Foundation. “When elections happen one after another, it interrupts the continuity of governance. Synchronizing them can give governments a stable five-year period to execute their plans.”

BJP leaders echo this sentiment. They often cite the logistical complexity and financial cost of staggered elections, pointing to the need for rationalizing India’s electoral calendar. According to the Election Commission of India, the cost of conducting a Lok Sabha election alone in 2019 was over ₹60,000 crore — a figure that could rise further as more voters join the electoral rolls.

By synchronizing elections, the BJP argues, India could not only save resources but also ensure more focused governance.

Civil Society’s Role in Building Consensus

Engaging civil society isn’t just a political strategy — it’s a conscious effort to build democratic legitimacy. By bringing professionals and community leaders into the fold, the BJP aims to create a transparent and informed public dialogue.

“We are asking everyone to participate in this debate. Whether you’re a professor, student, entrepreneur, or homemaker — your opinion matters,” said one of the campaign coordinators. “This is not just a government initiative. This is about the future of our democracy.”

Civil society organizations are being encouraged to host roundtables, webinars, and panel discussions to explore the pros and cons of the “One Nation, One Election” model. Some NGOs have already begun publishing white papers and position documents.

Notably, the Law Commission of India and NITI Aayog — the government’s public policy think tank — have earlier recommended simultaneous elections, although they also cautioned about the legal and logistical challenges involved.

You can read more about NITI Aayog’s stance on this issue here.

What Critics Say

Despite the momentum, the idea of simultaneous elections isn’t without critics. Some political parties and constitutional experts have expressed concerns over its feasibility and fairness. They argue that imposing a uniform election cycle might undermine the federal structure of the Constitution, which gives states the right to dissolve their assemblies at any time.

Others worry about the logistics — synchronizing elections in a country as vast and diverse as India could require significant constitutional amendments and consensus across the political spectrum.

Still, BJP leaders remain optimistic. They believe that through open discussion and civil society engagement, they can address concerns and move toward a practical solution.

What Happens Next?

The Joint Committee of Parliament is currently reviewing two key Bills related to simultaneous elections. Their findings will likely play a significant role in shaping the future course of action. Meanwhile, the BJP’s public outreach campaign continues to gain momentum.

Over the coming months, public forums, town halls, and academic seminars will explore this reform from multiple angles. The party is urging the public to send feedback directly to constitutional authorities to ensure that the decision reflects collective wisdom.

As the debate continues, India stands at a crossroads. Whether or not simultaneous elections become a reality will depend not just on political will, but also on how well the idea resonates with the people.

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