Bengaluru, Mar 8 (UNI) Former Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu on Friday underscored the economic benefits of holding simultaneous elections, stating that "frequent polls cost the nation Rs 4.7 lakh crore and that conducting them together could save approximately 1.5% of GDP."
Delivering a speech on ''One Nation One Election" topic, Naidu pointed out that the cost of Lok Sabha elections had escalated to Rs 1.35 lakh crore in 2024 from Rs 55,000 crore in 2019. "Frequent elections disrupt governance, divert resources, and encourage populist measures, burdening the economy. A well-structured electoral system will strengthen governance and foster economic growth," he asserted.