MK Stalin slammed the Union Cabinet for passing a bill to amend the constitution to implement the “one nation, one election” bill, calling it 'impractical and anti-democratic'
He posted on X: The Union Cabinet has approved the introduction of the draconian 'One Nation, One Election Bill' in Parliament. This impractical and anti-democratic move will erase regional voices, erode federalism and disrupt governance.
“Stand up INDIA! Let us resist this attack on Indian democracy with all our might!” he continued.
The Union Cabinet on Thursday approved two bills, including one to amend the Constitution and introduce 'one nation, one election'. These bills are likely to be introduced during the ongoing winter session of Parliament. Currently, the Cabinet has approved holding of simultaneous elections only for the Lok Sabha and state assemblies.
A high-level committee headed by former President Ram Nath Kovind had also recommended bringing local body elections on par with national and state polls. However, the government has decided not to include elections for local bodies for the time being.
Opposition parties expressed concern over the bills, saying greater consultation is needed, while ruling NDA leaders asserted that the burden on the exchequer will be reduced.
INDIA bloc opposes 'One nation, one election law'
Opposition MPs questioned whether the country is logistically ready to hold simultaneous elections, pointing out that the recent polls in Maharashtra and Jharkhand could not be held together with those in Haryana and Jammu and Kashmir.
“One Nation, one election sounds good, if the nation can move in that direction, nothing comparable. But what is the reality? Is the Election Commission ready? Do we have enough forces and infrastructure?” Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Anil Desai said.
“The J&K and Haryana elections could have been held jointly with Maharashtra, but that did not happen. Even the Jharkhand elections were held in two phases… If the government has a solution, it can be discussed, but in the current situation, it doesn't seem like they can do it,” Desai said.
Lok Sabha Congress MP K Suresh said his party has already made its stand clear and it is against simultaneous polls. “Our party has made our position clear from the beginning, our position has not changed. We are against it. The entire opposition is against it,” he said.
Aadmi Party (AAP) MP Sanjay Singh said, “There is only one slogan of the Modi government which is 'one nation, one Adani'”.
“He just wants a friend to sell India's wealth and he is working for him. If there is one nation, one election, what will happen if the government ends up in a minority halfway through. Won't there be a by-election?” Singh asked.
