Opposition Leaders Question Practicality and Motives Behind the Unified Election Proposal Approved by Union Cabinet
Jammu (Jammu and Kashmir), December 13: The Union Cabinet’s approval of the ‘One Nation, One Election’ bill has sparked widespread debate across the political spectrum, with opposition leaders raising concerns over its practicality and potential implications. Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, speaking on the matter, called for an open and thorough discussion in Parliament, drawing parallels with the controversial abrogation of Article 370 in 2019.
“It has not yet come before the Parliament, but when it does, the debate must be transparent and not rushed like what happened with Article 370,” Abdullah said in an interview with ANI. “The National Conference will deliberate and guide our MPs on how to vote,” he added.
Opposition Raises Red Flags
Jharkhand Mukti Morcha MP Mahua Maji accused the BJP of using the proposal as a strategy to sideline regional parties and divert attention from pressing local issues. “The BJP’s election campaigns revolve around religion and caste. In Jharkhand, they tried the same but faced a humiliating defeat. Through ‘One Nation, One Election,’ they aim to confuse the public and weaken regional parties,” Maji alleged.
Former Delhi Lieutenant Governor Najeeb Jung labeled the idea impractical, citing the risk of disrupting state legislatures’ terms. “The terms of state legislatures may end prematurely, and while there’s no constitutional embargo against it, implementing such a system is impractical,” Jung told ANI.
Government Advocates for Efficiency
The BJP-led NDA has welcomed the proposal, emphasizing its potential to streamline the election process, save resources, and lay the groundwork for unified polls across the nation. Sources suggest that a comprehensive bill will soon follow the Cabinet’s approval.
Political Divide Deepens
The INDIA bloc parties, including the Congress and several regional outfits, have opposed the move, arguing that it undermines federal principles and poses challenges to local governance. In contrast, the BJP contends that simultaneous elections will lead to better governance by reducing the frequency of election-related disruptions.
The ‘One Nation, One Election’ bill represents a significant step towards reshaping India’s electoral landscape, but its introduction is expected to face stiff resistance in Parliament. With both sides firmly entrenched in their positions, the proposal is set to be one of the most debated issues in the ongoing Winter Session.
As the debate unfolds, the nation watches closely, with leaders and citizens alike questioning whether this transformative proposal is a step forward or a threat to India’s diverse democratic fabric.