Tue Sep 17 12:54:50 UTC 2024: ## Chidambaram Slams ‘One Nation, One Election’ Proposal, Calls it Unconstitutional
**New Delhi, India:** Senior Congress leader P Chidambaram has vehemently opposed the “One Nation, One Election” proposal, asserting that it is not feasible under the current Constitution. Speaking to reporters on Monday, Chidambaram stated that implementing this policy would necessitate at least five constitutional amendments, a task he believes Prime Minister Narendra Modi lacks the necessary political capital to achieve.
“It is not possible under the present Constitution. It requires at least five constitutional amendments,” Chidambaram said, adding, “Mr. Modi does not have the majority to put those constitutional amendments in either in the Lok Sabha or the Rajya Sabha.”
The former finance minister also highlighted further constitutional barriers to implementing “One Nation, One Election,” asserting that the INDIA bloc stands united in its opposition to the proposal.
The BJP, in its Lok Sabha election manifesto, had made “One Nation, One Election” a key promise. PM Modi had also strongly advocated for it in his Independence Day address, arguing that frequent polls hampered the nation’s progress.
However, Chidambaram also refuted PM Modi’s claim that the Congress sought to abolish reservations. He countered, “Why should we abolish reservation? We are the ones who are saying that the reservation ceiling of 50 per cent must be removed. We are the ones who are asking for a caste census.”
The “One Nation, One Election” proposal remains a contentious issue, with the BJP pushing for its implementation and the Congress vehemently opposing it. The debate is likely to intensify as the next general election approaches.
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