Sat Jan 18 19:28:25 UTC 2025: **Tamil Nadu CM Stalin Urges BJP Allies to Reject ‘One Nation, One Election’ Proposal**
Chennai, January 19, 2025 – Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin on Saturday appealed to allies of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to reject the proposed “One Nation, One Election” bill, warning it poses a threat to India’s federal structure and democratic principles. Speaking at the DMK legal wing’s conference, Mr. Stalin characterized the BJP’s initiative as a step towards a centralized, authoritarian regime, aiming to impose uniformity in religion, language, culture, dress, and food.
He argued that the seemingly innocuous proposal for simultaneous elections across the country is a long-term strategy to ultimately establish a one-party rule under Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Mr. Stalin urged his audience to actively oppose the bill, predicting that its implementation would pave the way for a dictatorship. He also criticized the role of Governor R.N. Ravi, suggesting that the Governor’s actions are intended to portray the DMK as anti-constitutional. The Chief Minister, however, noted that he requests the Centre not replace Mr. Ravi, claiming that the Governor’s actions unintentionally promote Dravidian ideology.
The DMK passed several resolutions at the conference, including one demanding the withdrawal of the “One Nation, One Election” bill. Mr. Stalin emphasized the crucial role of the DMK’s legal wing in the upcoming 2026 Assembly elections and the party’s commitment to protecting the Constitution and cooperative federalism.
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