*Opposition Critiques ‘One Nation, One Election’ Proposal as Threat to Democracy*
by Ashis Sinha
New Delhi: Opposition parties strongly criticized the Indian government’s “One Nation, One Election” initiative, labeling it impractical and a diversion from pressing national issues. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge described the proposal as a tactic by the BJP to shift focus away from critical problems facing the nation, asserting that it would not gain public support.
Various opposition leaders expressed concerns that simultaneous elections could undermine federalism and democratic integrity. Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan warned that the plan aims to centralize power at the expense of India’s diverse political landscape. He stated that pushing for concurrent elections disregards the unique political dynamics of individual states.
Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren echoed this sentiment, accusing the BJP of seeking to establish a singular party rule across the country. Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah criticized the rush to implement such a significant proposal without proper consultations with opposition parties, suggesting it reveals a “malicious intent” from the Modi government.
Trinamool Congress MP Derek O’Brien characterized the initiative as an “anti-democratic” maneuver and highlighted the logistical challenges of coordinating elections in multiple states. He questioned the government’s commitment to holding simultaneous elections given the current electoral scheduling issues.
Akhilesh Yadav, president of the Samajwadi Party, raised concerns about the lack of clarity on necessary constitutional amendments and whether the proposal is merely a slogan without a concrete plan. He also queried the implications for state governments under President’s Rule.
Shiv Sena spokesperson Arvind Sawant criticized the government for prioritizing this initiative over urgent issues such as unemployment and inflation. He expressed skepticism about the feasibility of conducting simultaneous elections when the government struggles with scheduling in other areas.
RJD MP Manoj Jha labeled the proposal a “distraction” and noted historical precedents where simultaneous elections were abandoned due to political instability. He argued that frequent elections enhance democratic accountability, countering the government’s narrative.
AIMIM President Asaduddin Owaisi also opposed the initiative, asserting it compromises the foundational principles of federalism and democracy enshrined in the Constitution. He argued that the call for simultaneous elections stems from the ruling party’s desire for continuous campaigning.
Amid these critiques, the Communist Party of India (CPI) stated its opposition to any move that undermines state rights, warning against the imposition of a uniform electoral process that may dilute diverse public opinions.
As the debate continues, the opposition remains united in their call for a more democratic and consultative approach to electoral reforms, emphasizing the need to prioritize the real challenges facing the nation.
