Tue Dec 17 16:48:50 UTC 2024: ## Top Legal Expert Defends One Nation, One Election Amidst Opposition Backlash

**NEW DELHI** – Prominent constitutional expert Harish Salve has dismissed opposition claims that the proposed “One Nation, One Election” (ONOE) system undermines India’s federal structure. In an exclusive interview with India Today, Salve, a member of the Ram Nath Kovind committee that recommended simultaneous polls, argued that ONOE would prevent the debilitating effects of frequent elections and curb unaccounted election spending.

“Those who say One Nation, One Election violates the federal structure are mistaken,” Salve stated. He emphasized that the initiative benefits all Indians, not just politicians. Concerns about increased centralisation of power and infringement on states’ autonomy, raised by opposition parties like the Congress, were rejected by Salve. He countered that state governments would remain accountable to their respective electorates. “The states will always be governed by the party chosen by the people who vote in the state,” he explained, adding that the possibility of a government falling before completing its term is a reality not prevented by the current system.

While advocating for ONOE to improve governance and economic stability by reducing the disruptive costs of frequent elections, Salve cautioned against hasty implementation. He suggested a broader national discussion and consensus-building is necessary before enacting the legislation. “One Nation, One Election cannot be implemented in the next 3–5 years,” he said.

The Lok Sabha on Tuesday saw the introduction of the necessary amendment bills, which passed with 269 votes in favour and 198 against. The government has indicated a willingness to send the bills to a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) for further consultation. The opposition, however, maintains its opposition, viewing the proposal as a BJP ploy to centralize power and shift towards a presidential system.

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