Tamil Nadu Chief Minister (CM) M K Stalin appealed everyone to oppose 'One Nation, One Election' proposal being backed by PM Narendra Modi-led government.
M K Stalin said that 'One Nation, One Election' will lead to 'unitary' form of government and will lead to 'totalitarianism' in the country. He characterised the move as an attempt to settle political scores and divert attention from the government’s failures in addressing key issues hindering India’s progress. Stalin stated, “#INDIA will resist the anti-federal & impractical ‘One nation one election’ as it will push the country into the perils of a unitary form of governance, killing its diversity and democracy in the process’.
Calling for a united front against the proposal, Stalin urged democratic forces to fight tooth and nail against this abomination imposed in the garb of electoral reform, to save India, its diversity and the Constitution. TN CM argued that the proposal, if passed, would eliminate the system of periodic state elections, thereby undermining regional sentiments and destroying India’s diversity. He alleged that the BJP’s ultimate aim is to usher in a Presidential form of governance, which he said contradicts the spirit of the Indian Constitution.
The ruling BJP is keen to introduce the bill to enable simultaneous national and state elections through 'One Nation One Election' provision. The bill was to be introduced in Lok Sabha on December 16 but will now be tabled on Tuesday. The proposal has seen its fair share of supporters as well as opponents.