Lagatar24 Desk
New Delhi: Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge has voiced strong opposition to the ‘One Nation, One Election’ proposal, calling it “impractical” in a democracy. The plan, approved by the Union Cabinet on Wednesday, seeks to conduct simultaneous Lok Sabha and state Assembly elections across the country, a move that has sparked significant debate among political leaders.
Kharge, in a statement to ANI, criticised the proposal, stating, “We don’t stand with this. One Nation, One Election cannot work in a democracy. Elections need to be held as and when required if we want our democracy to survive.”
In response, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw countered the criticism, asserting that over 80% of participants in the consultation process supported the idea. “The opposition might feel internal pressure as the youth, in particular, have expressed strong support for this initiative,” Vaishnaw said.
The Union Cabinet’s approval is based on recommendations from a high-level panel chaired by former President Ram Nath Kovind. The panel’s report suggests simultaneous elections for the Lok Sabha and state Assemblies, followed by coordinated local body polls within 100 days. It also recommended forming an ‘Implementation Group’ to oversee the process.
Opposition Leaders Raise Concerns
Congress leader TS Singh Deo questioned the feasibility of implementing simultaneous elections. “If a government falls after two years, what happens to this system? Constitutional provisions will need amendments, and this raises questions about its practicality,” he said.
Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Derek O’Brien criticised the plan, calling it a “cheap stunt” by the BJP. He questioned why Maharashtra’s elections were not scheduled alongside those of Haryana and Jammu and Kashmir if simultaneous elections were the objective.
Meanwhile, Jharkhand Mukti Morcha MP Mahua Maji accused the BJP of using the proposal to undermine regional parties. “BJP wants only one party to rule the country. They are systematically weakening regional parties like JMM and others,” Maji stated.
AAP MP Sandeep Pathak echoed these concerns, questioning the practicality of conducting nationwide elections simultaneously, particularly when elections for some states have been delayed.
