Wed Sep 18 17:12:44 UTC 2024: ## Opposition Slams ‘One Nation, One Election’ Proposal as Unrealistic and Anti-Democratic

The Union Cabinet’s approval of the ‘One Nation, One Election’ initiative, aimed at conducting simultaneous Lok Sabha and state Assembly elections, has sparked fierce criticism from opposition parties, who deem the plan impractical and a threat to democracy.

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge labelled the proposal “incompatible with democracy,” arguing that elections should be held when necessary to maintain a functioning democracy. Union minister Ashwini Vaishnaw countered Kharge, stating that the proposal has received significant support from the public, especially among youth.

Several opposition leaders voiced concerns about the feasibility of simultaneous elections. Congress leader TS Singh Deo highlighted the logistical challenges, pointing out that a government falling mid-term could lead to varying election cycles across the country.

Trinamool Congress leader Derek O’Brien questioned the BJP’s sincerity, pointing out that Maharashtra elections were not scheduled alongside Haryana and Jammu and Kashmir despite the stated goal of simultaneous elections.

Jharkhand Mukti Morcha MP Mahua Maji accused the BJP of using the initiative to undermine regional parties and consolidate its power, while AAP MP Sandeep Pathak questioned the practicality of implementing such a complex system, highlighting the recent example of four states where elections were not held simultaneously.

The proposed ‘One Nation, One Election’ initiative, based on recommendations from a panel chaired by former President Ram Nath Kovind, aims to hold simultaneous elections for Lok Sabha and state Assemblies initially, followed by coordinated local body elections within 100 days. The panel also proposed the creation of an ‘Implementation Group’ to oversee the execution of these recommendations.

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