'One Nation, One Election': Opposition criticises Centre's move; BJP welcomes idea

New Delhi [India], September 1 : The Union government on Friday constituted a committee headed by former President Ram Nath Kovind to explore the possibility of 'One Nation, One Election'. Notably, this development has come a day after Parliamentary Affairs Minister Prahlad Joshi on Thursday called a special five-day session of Parliament starting on September 18 to September 22.
The move has only added to the already heated politics as a meeting of opposition leaders from 28 parties is underway to decide on the agenda to take on the ruling BJP in the upcoming election. Leaders of several political parties have reacted to the Centre's move.
Speaking to ANI, Congress leader and former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamalnath said that the centre cannot simply amend the Constitution, they also needed the approval of the states.
"For this, not just an amendment in the Constitution but also the approval of states is also needed. In BJP-ruled states like Haryana and Maharashtra, they can decide and pass a proposal in the Cabinet to dissolve their respective assemblies. You can't just cut short the duration of a state assembly; it doesn't work like this," he said.
Explaining the current development, Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad told ANI, "Right now, a committee has been constituted. A report of the committee will come out, which will be discussed. The Parliament is mature, and discussions will take place; there is no need to get nervous... India is called the mother of democracy; there is evolution... this is part of evolution," he said.
Meanwhile, reacting to the appointment of former President Ram Nath Kovind as chairman of "One nation, one election," Congress MP Pramod Tiwari said, "I am seeing this for the first time that a former President has been made chairman of a committee formed by the government. The former Chief Justice and former SC judges could have done it. They finished the dignity of the post of President as the inauguration (of the new Parliament building) was done by the PM instead of the President. Now, by doing this, they are setting the wrong tradition."
Former Maharashtra CM and Congress leader Prithviraj Chavan, who was present at the opposition bloc's meeting in Mumbai, told ANI that the BJP government is now in panic mode and these things are happening to divert attention. "One thing is clear: the government is now in panic mode. These things are happening to divert attention. What is the need to call this special session amidst the Ganesh Chaturthi festival? Are they (the Central Government) unaware of Hindu feelings? On being asked about the speculations of the One Nation, One Poll, he said, "The government has the right to conduct elections anytime. If they want to conduct Lok Sabha elections early, they can. If they want to pass some bills, then tell us about those bills," he added.
Punjab Minister & AAP Leader Harpal Singh Cheema said that in a country like India, where democracy prevails, the BJP cannot do it. He further said the BJP wants to destroy the constitution and the nation. "India is a democratic country, and it is not possible to implement it." The BJP wants to destroy the country. It is dangerous for the constitution of the country. It should not be done."
Meanwhile, Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde has welcomed the Centre's decision saying, "One nation, one election" will save the money spent on elections and that money can be used for welfare schemes. "People have decided to elect PM Modi again in 2024," he said.
Senior BJP leader and Rajya Sabha MP Sushil Modi also welcomed the proposal "If the elections are held at a time, the pace of development will increase & will save the money spent on elections. The percentage of voters casting their votes will also increase. The country's voter is aware & knows whom to vote for..."
LJP (Ram Vilas) chief Chirag Paswan said, "Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) supports 'One Nation, One Election'. It should be implemented."