Thu Sep 19 16:09:46 UTC 2024: ## Tamil Nadu CM Stalin Condemns “One Nation, One Election” Proposal as BJP Ego Trip

Chennai, India – Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and DMK President M.K. Stalin has vehemently condemned the Union Cabinet’s approval of the “One Nation, One Election” proposal, calling it a “move to satisfy the BJP’s ego.”

Stalin asserted that India’s democracy “cannot be bent to suit the greed of one party,” and criticized the BJP-led NDA government for focusing on “diversionary tactics” instead of addressing pressing issues like price rise, unemployment, and equitable resource distribution.

He argued that the proposal is “impractical” and ignores the complexities of India’s diverse electoral system and undermines federalism. Stalin highlighted the logistical challenges posed by aligning election cycles, regional issues, and varying governance priorities across different states. He also emphasized the disruption to the natural course of governance that would occur if all terms of office were aligned.

Stalin’s statement comes in response to the Union Cabinet’s approval of a proposal by a committee led by former President Ram Nath Kovind to hold simultaneous elections for Lok Sabha and state assemblies. This decision has been met with strong opposition from parties like Congress and DMK, who have consistently argued against the proposal.

The DMK, Tamil Nadu’s ruling party, has been opposing the “One Nation, One Election” proposal for several years, along with demanding the postponement of the delimitation exercise scheduled for 2026. This exercise, based on the latest Census figures, is expected to reduce the political representation of Southern states, including Tamil Nadu.

Stalin’s condemnation of the proposal reiterates his stance on the matter, which he previously expressed through a resolution passed in the Tamil Nadu Assembly in February. He had then argued that the proposal is “impractical” and violates the Constitution’s emphasis on “free, fair, and independent” elections.

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