New Delhi: The Union Cabinet on Thursday cleared the ‘One Nation One Election’ Bill, evoking sharp reactions from Opposition parties which dubbed it as an attempt to damage federalism.
The proposed law provides for holding simultaneous elections to Lok Sabha and the state assemblies in the first phase while covering the local bodies in the second stage.
The clearance by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led Cabinet paves the way for the bill’s introduction in Parliament shortly.
The ‘One Nation One Election’ tops the agenda of the Modi government which has vowed to implement it in its current term.
The government had in 2023 set up a committee under the chairmanship of former President Ram Nath Kovind to suggest how elections to the Lok Sabha, Assemblies, and municipalities could be held simultaneously.
In September this year, the Union Cabinet approved the recommendations of the Kovind panel which advised holding simultaneous elections subject to nationwide consensus on the proposal.
Reacting to the Cabinet decision today, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin said, “The Union Cabinet has approved introducing the draconian ‘One Nation, One Election Bill’ in Parliament. This impractical and anti-democratic move will erase regional voices, erode federalism, and disrupt governance. Rise up INDIA! Let us resist this attack on Indian Democracy with all our strength!”
Senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh said the grand old party’s views on the subject had been forcefully articulated by its President Mallikarjun Kharge on January 17.
“Nothing has happened since then to modify them,” he stated.
Calling it impossible, Kharge had said that the move would require consensus of Parliament.
“A reform of this scale cannot be imposed unilaterally; it demands a broad consensus,” the Congress President had said earlier.
West Bengal Chief Minister and TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee vehemently opposed the proposal.
“The Union Cabinet has bulldozed their way through with the unconstitutional and anti-federal One Nation, One Election Bill, ignoring every legitimate concern raised by experts and opposition leaders. This is not a carefully-considered reform; it’s an authoritarian imposition designed to undermine India’s democracy and federal structure. Our MPs will oppose this draconian legislation tooth and nail in Parliament. Bengal will NEVER bow to Delhi’s dictatorial whims. This fight is about saving India’s democracy from the clutches of autocracy!” she posted on ‘X’.
Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren also opposed the move and said, “They have the majority, they can take any decision…This is their agenda. They will work on their agenda, we will work on our agenda.” UNI
