NDA Supports 'One Nation, One Election'; Opposition Decries It as Federalism Violation
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New Delhi, Dec 14 (NationPress) The Centre's initiative to present the 'One Nation, One Election' Bill in the Lok Sabha on Monday has generated diverse reactions, with NDA leaders endorsing it as a measure in national interest and the Opposition condemning it as an assault on federalism.
The Bill, which received approval from the Union Cabinet on Thursday, aims to facilitate simultaneous elections for the Lok Sabha, state Assemblies, and Union Territory Assemblies.
Union Minister for Law and Justice, Arjun Ram Meghwal, is poised to introduce two significant legislations – the Constitution (129th Amendment) Bill and the Union Territories Laws (Amendment) Bill – in the Lower House.
The Centre claims that the legislation intends to simplify the electoral process, improve efficiency, and lessen the financial and administrative burdens associated with staggered elections.
Union Minister Giriraj Singh defended the initiative, questioning the Opposition's concerns.
"One Nation, One Election is in national interest. Repeated elections hinder development and squander resources. This system was operational until 1967. Did it undermine the federal structure back then?" he asked, accusing the Congress of manipulating the Constitution for political advantage.
In contrast, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav challenged the government, proposing that if the Centre is so eager about the Bill, the Prime Minister should dissolve the Lok Sabha and call for fresh elections at once.
Union Minister Chirag Paswan advocated for the Bill, emphasizing the economic and logistical difficulties posed by frequent elections.
"Simultaneous elections will alleviate the pressure on the economy and security forces, allowing leaders to concentrate on development," he stated.
Conversely, Trinamool Congress MP Kirti Azad criticized the Bill as an attack on federalism.
"There was no discussion in the Business Advisory Committee. Are they attempting to establish a dictatorship? What if no majority government is formed? Will we endure President's Rule for five years?" he questioned.
Speaking to IANS, LJP (RV) MP Shambhavi Choudhary expressed robust support, asserting, "Simultaneous elections will conserve resources and time, enabling leaders to dedicate themselves to development for a complete five-year term."
BJP MP Yogendra Chandolia also praised the Bill, referencing recommendations from a high-level committee led by former President Ram Nath Kovind.
"This will save resources and time and ultimately benefit the public. We hope the Opposition will lend their support," he remarked to IANS.
Independent Bihar MP Pappu Yadav dismissed the proposal, labeling it impractical.
"The government should prioritize unemployment and escalating election costs instead of 'One Nation, One Election,'" he asserted.
Congress MPs Sukhdeo Bhagat and Rajesh Thakur criticized the Bill as impractical and a threat to India’s federal structure.
"This Bill is an attack on federalism. The Prime Minister's rhetoric of 'One Nation, One Election, One Man, One Rule' reflects a dictatorial mindset," Thakur conveyed to IANS.
BJP MP Jagannath Sarkar argued in favor of the Bill, contending that it would tackle unemployment and economic challenges.
"Conducting elections simultaneously will bolster national unity and foster economic stability," he said to IANS.
The proposed legislation has reignited discussions about its potential impact on India's federal structure, economic efficiency, and democratic processes, setting the stage for a heated debate in Parliament.
