On Sunday, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi expressed his strong opposition to the concept of ‘one nation, one election,’ asserting that it constitutes an “attack on the Indian Union and all its States.” This statement follows the recent announcement by the Central government that it is exploring the feasibility of this idea and has formed a high-level committee, headed by President Ram Nath Kovind, to analyze its practicality.
Rahul Gandhi, taking to Twitter, emphasized that India, known as Bharat, is a Union of States. He believes that the notion of ‘one nation, one election’ undermines this union and its diversity of states. His vocal stance underscores the contentious nature of this proposed electoral reform.
Composition of the High-Level Committee:
The committee tasked with evaluating the feasibility of ‘one nation, one election’ comprises prominent figures, including Home Minister Amit Shah, Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, former Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Ghulam Nabi Azad, former Finance Commission Chairman NK Singh, former Lok Sabha Secretary General Subhash C Kashyap, Senior Advocate Harish Salve, and former Chief Vigilance Commissioner Sanjay Kothari.
Adhir Ranjan Chowdhary’s Refusal:
In a noteworthy development, Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhary declined to be part of the committee. In his letter to Home Minister Shah, he characterized the concept as “constitutionally suspect, pragmatically non-feasible, and logistically unimplementable.” He also raised concerns about the government’s timing in introducing this proposal, just months before the general elections, implying possible ulterior motives.
Electoral Schedule and Historical Context:
Currently, assembly elections are slated to occur in five states – Mizoram, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Telangana, and Rajasthan – in November-December, followed by the Lok Sabha elections in May-June of the next year. Furthermore, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Sikkim, and Arunachal Pradesh are scheduled to hold their assembly elections concurrently with the Lok Sabha elections.
It is essential to note that simultaneous elections for state assemblies and the Lok Sabha were the norm until 1967. However, subsequent dissolution of some legislative assemblies in 1968 and 1969, along with the Lok Sabha dissolution in 1970, led to a shift in electoral schedules for states and the country at large.
In conclusion, the debate surrounding ‘one nation, one election’ remains a contentious issue, with strong opinions on both sides. Rahul Gandhi’s assertion that it threatens the Indian Union and its states adds another dimension to this ongoing discussion.
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