Kiren Rijiju Critiques Congress for Its Unfounded Opposition to 'One Nation, One Election'
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New Delhi, Dec 17 (NationPress) Union Minister Kiren Rijiju on Tuesday harshly condemned the Congress party for its resistance to the 'One Nation, One Election' initiative, describing their position as unfounded and contradictory.
While conversing with IANS, Rijiju underscored the importance of this proposal for India's advancement.
"Congress claims that 'One Nation, One Election' is unconstitutional and detrimental to the federal framework. If that's the case, then Congress must explain -- was the Nehru administration unconstitutional when elections were conducted concurrently for two decades after 1947?" Rijiju challenged.
He pointed out the nation's development under the present government, stating, "Congress governed the country for sixty years and left it impoverished. Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's guidance, we are progressing towards a 'Viksit Bharat,' yet Congress persists in hindering rather than aiding national progress."
The Centre plans to present the 'One Nation, One Election' (ONOP) Bill in the Lok Sabha at noon on Tuesday. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has issued a three-line whip to all Lok Sabha MPs prior to the bill's introduction.
Opposition figures have raised concerns about the challenges of dissolving Assemblies prematurely or managing scenarios where a state or the Union government collapses before completing its term.
Addressing the opposition's worries regarding Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), Rijiju rebuked Congress for questioning a system through which they have previously attained power.
"In 2004 and 2009, Congress secured victories and formed governments using EVMs. Presently, Congress retains power in several states. Were those victories illegitimate? The Members of Parliament, including their coalition partners, were elected through the same mechanism. Their claims are utterly baseless," Rijiju commented.
The Union Minister called on the opposition to engage constructively in the nation's growth instead of obstructing necessary reforms.
