NDA Backs ‘One Nation, One Election’; Opposition Calls It Attack On Federalism

The Centre’s plan to introduce the ‘One Nation, One Election’ Bill in the Lok Sabha on Monday has divided opinions. NDA leaders have supported it, calling it a move in the “national interest,” while the Opposition has condemned it as an “attack on federalism.”

The Bill, approved by the Union Cabinet on Thursday, seeks to enable simultaneous elections to the Lok Sabha, state Assemblies, and Union Territory Assemblies.

Union Minister for Law and Justice, Arjun Ram Meghwal, will introduce two key legislations in the Lower House – the Constitution (129th Amendment) Bill and the Union Territories Laws (Amendment) Bill.

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The government argues that the legislation will streamline the electoral process, improve efficiency, and reduce the financial and administrative burden of holding elections at different times.

NDA Leaders Defend The Bill

Union Minister Giriraj Singh defended the Bill, questioning the Opposition’s objections. He stated, “One Nation, One Election is in national interest. Frequent elections waste resources and affect development. Did it harm federalism before 1967?”

Union Minister Chirag Paswan also supported the move, emphasizing that simultaneous elections would ease economic and logistical challenges. “It will reduce the burden on the economy and security forces, allowing leaders to focus on development,” he said.

Opposition Slams The Proposal

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav challenged the government, suggesting that if the Bill is so important, the Prime Minister should immediately dissolve the Lok Sabha and hold fresh elections.

Trinamool Congress MP Kirti Azad criticized the Bill as an “assault on federalism,” questioning the lack of discussion in the Business Advisory Committee. “What happens if no majority government is formed? Will there be President’s Rule for five years?” he asked.

Congress MPs Sukhdeo Bhagat and Rajesh Thakur also rejected the Bill, calling it impractical and a threat to India’s federal structure. Thakur added, “This is an attack on federalism. The Prime Minister’s idea of ‘One Nation, One Election, One Man, One Rule’ reflects a dictatorial mindset.”

Support From BJP And Others

BJP MP Yogendra Chandolia praised the Bill, referencing the recommendations of a high-level committee led by former President Ram Nath Kovind. He stated, “This will save resources, time, and benefit the public. Hopefully, the Opposition will support it.”

LJP (RV) MP Shambhavi Choudhary expressed strong backing, saying, “Simultaneous elections will save resources and time, allowing leaders to focus on development for a full five-year term.”

Criticism From Independent MPs

Independent Bihar MP Pappu Yadav dismissed the idea, calling it “impractical.” He urged the government to focus on unemployment and rising election expenses instead of pushing for “One Nation, One Election.”

BJP MP Jagannath Sarkar argued that holding elections together would strengthen national unity and bring economic stability.

The proposed legislation has sparked debate over its impact on India’s federal structure, economic efficiency, and democratic processes. This sets the stage for a heated discussion in Parliament.