Opposition leaders on Monday slammed the Narendra Modi government over its efforts to implement the ‘One Nation, One Election’ policy, with members of the Congress, TMC and CPI calling it a “drama” by the BJP which the current NDA alliance cannot implement.
Former Finance Minister P Chidambaram said, “One Nation, One Election is not possible under the present Constitution. It requires at least five constitutional amendments. Modi has no majority either in the Lok Sabha or the Rajya Sabha to pass those constitutional amendments.”
TMC MP Derek O’Brien insisted it was “another gimmick” by the BJP, while CPI general secretary D Raja called on the central government to “ensure a level playing field”.
The reaction came after reports from sources indicated that the Modi government is planning to implement one nation, one election during its current term. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had also advocated simultaneous assembly and parliamentary elections in his Independence Day speech from the ramparts of the Red Fort.
He had said, “Continuous elections in the country are hindering development. Welfare schemes in the country are now linked to elections. We have elections every three to six months, every work in the country is now linked to elections. Extensive discussions have already taken place. Every political party has already expressed its views. A committee has already submitted a report on this. The country should come forward for one nation-one election. I request all political parties from the Red Fort to come forward for one nation-one election.”
A high-level committee headed by former President Ram Nath Kovind had in March this year recommended holding simultaneous elections to the Lok Sabha and state assemblies as a first step, followed by local body polls within 100 days.
Besides, the Law Commission may recommend simultaneous elections to all three tiers of government — Lok Sabha, state assemblies and local bodies like municipalities and panchayats — from 2029, and also make provisions for a unity government in case of a no-confidence motion or lack of majority in the House for an indefinite period.
(with inputs from agencies)
