BJP starts digital drive to read voter mood on One nation- one election

In a renewed bid to sway public perception and build mass consensus around its ambitious One Nation, One Election’ proposal the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has launched a digital mass contact initiative. As part of this campaign, the party has unveiled a special QR code through which citizens can digitally register their support for the cause. The initiative is being projected as a step towards increasing public participation and making the national discourse more inclusive.

Digital campaign launched by BJP Rajasthan

The digital campaign was formally launched in Jaipur on Saturday. BJP Rajasthan President Madan Rathore introduced the digital drive, highlighting its innovative outreach potential. “The digital version of the ‘One Nation, One Election’ campaign has been launched with the release of a dedicated QR code.

By scanning this code, common citizens can express their support for the initiative online. This step is aimed at boosting public engagement and bringing more people into the fold of the national discussion,” Rathore said.

The BJP’s fresh outreach comes at a time when the party is intensifying efforts to strengthen the narrative in favor of simultaneous elections — a concept that proposes synchronizing Lok Sabha and State Assembly polls across the country to streamline governance and reduce election-related expenditure.

History

Historically, India conducted simultaneous elections from 1951 until 1967. The first three general elections — in 1951-52, 1957, and 1962 — followed this model. However, the cycle was disrupted in 1968 and 1969 due to the premature dissolution of several state assemblies, which led to staggered election schedules that have persisted since.

Modi government takes the initiative

In a decisive move towards reviving the idea, the Modi government set up a High-Level Committee on September 2, 2023, under the chairmanship of former President Ram Nath Kovind. The committee was tasked with exploring the feasibility, legal frameworks, and logistical aspects of holding simultaneous elections nationwide.

The government later tabled the ‘One Nation, One Election’ Bills in Parliament on December 17, 2023. The proposal, however, has met with stiff resistance from Congress and several other opposition parties, who argue that the plan may undermine federalism and disproportionately benefit the ruling party.

Despite the political contention, the BJP appears determined to push the envelope. With the launch of the digital QR code campaign, the party aims not only to expand the conversation beyond traditional political circles but also to gauge public sentiment and mobilize grassroots support.

By taking the battle of perception to the digital arena, the BJP is clearly signaling that it sees ‘One Nation, One Election’ as more than just a legislative ambition — it is now a core political campaign aimed at reshaping the electoral framework of the world’s largest democracy.