The BJP spokesperson calls the move a constitutional milestone, restoring governance stability and reducing electoral costs.
New Delhi, December 13: The Union Cabinet’s approval of the ‘One Nation, One Election’ bill has sparked widespread discussions, with BJP National Spokesperson CR Kesavan hailing it as a revolutionary transformation. Speaking on Friday, Kesavan emphasized that the initiative would restore the spirit and sanctity of the Constitution, urging every Indian to support the reform.
“‘One Nation, One Election’ will reclaim the spirit and sanctity of our Constitution, which was betrayed when Congress disrupted the synchronous cycle of simultaneous elections by toppling state governments,” Kesavan stated. He outlined the benefits of the move, citing increased voter turnout, political stability, good governance, reduced black money influence in elections, and decreased burden on security forces. Additionally, he highlighted the productive use of taxpayers’ money as a significant advantage.
Kesavan criticized the Congress party for opposing the concept, questioning its stance given that a high-level committee led by former President Ram Nath Kovind had reached a consensus with 32 political parties in favor of the reform.
“Why is Congress rattled when the high-level committee, headed by Ram Nath Kovind, consulted stakeholders, and 32 political parties agreed to ‘One Nation, One Election’? Until 1967, simultaneous elections were the norm, and it was Congress that disrupted this practice between 1966 and 1977,” Kesavan said.
The BJP spokesperson accused the Congress party, led by Indira Gandhi, of repeatedly dismissing state governments. “Congress dismissed state governments approximately 37 times under Indira Gandhi. In 1970, for the first time in Indian history, the Lok Sabha’s term was curtailed before its tenure ended. During the Emergency, Congress amended Article 172 to extend the tenure of state assemblies and Parliament from five to six years, allowing it to stay in office without elections,” he said.
Kesavan’s remarks underscore the BJP’s position that the ‘One Nation, One Election’ policy would bring electoral reforms and enhance governance efficiency, contrasting it with Congress’ historical actions that disrupted electoral processes.