Odisha BJP leader backs ‘one nation, one election,’ dismisses opposition criticism

Puri (Odisha) [India], September 20 (ANI): BJP leader and former MP Sujeet Kumar on Thursday called the idea of ‘One Nation, One Election’ a wonderful concept and claimed it will bring good governance to the country and reduce disruptions to some extent.

Speaking on the topic, he said, “This is a wonderful concept in a country like India where regular elections cause regular disruptions. It will help bring in good governance. I don’t agree with the allegations by the opposition.”

Kumar also added that the Union Cabinet has approved the concept, but opposition parties are calling it anti-democratic and saying it is not feasible. “I don’t subscribe to what the opposition is alleging. ‘one nation, one election’ is a wonderful concept, particularly in a country like India where regular elections cause huge disruption in governance,” he said.

He further pointed out that India followed this system until 1967. “From 1952 elections onward, we had ‘one nation, one election’. But due to several reasons, it was discontinued. It is a very good thing for the country. It is actually going to help bring in good governance, and I don’t think it is anti-federal at all,” he added.

Kumar also mentioned that the Indian Constitution does not oppose the idea. “If it had been anti-federal, the Constitution would have clearly mentioned that there should not be any ‘one nation, one election’ in the country. There is no such mention in the Constitution. So, I think it is good for the country and I urge all political parties to go beyond party lines and support this,” he added.

When asked about the BJP government in Odisha completing 100 days, Kumar rejected criticism from the opposition, especially the BJD. “Most of the promises made in the BJP’s election manifesto have been fulfilled. The government is working day and night, and I am sure this will be one of the best governments in the coming five years,” he said.

A day after the Union Cabinet approved the ‘one nation, one election’ proposal, Congress MP Manish Tewari criticised the plan, calling it more “political” than “constitutional.” He said the proposal is full of contradictions and would face legal challenges.

“The entire one nation, one election proposal is riddled with contradictions, it has not been thought through, it will not pass muster in a legal challenge and it goes against the basic structure of the Constitution as was conceptualised by the framers of the Indian Constitution… I think this proposal is more political than constitutional,” Tewari said.

Referring to India’s federal structure, Tewari said the proposal promotes centralism and goes against decentralisation. He added, “The one nation, one election proposal is a thesis in centralism and is the antithesis of decentralisation.” He questioned whether state governments were consulted and if they were willing to hold local body elections along with national and assembly elections.

AAP leader Sanjay Singh also attacked the BJP, calling it a party of “one nation, one corruption” and accused them of spreading false propaganda about election costs. Karnataka Deputy CM DK Shivakumar opposed the move, claiming it was aimed at weakening regional parties.

The ‘one nation, one election’ proposal suggests holding simultaneous Lok Sabha, assembly, and local body polls within 100 days. The High-level Committee, chaired by former President Ram Nath Kovind, submitted its report to President Droupadi Murmu earlier this year after 191 days of consultations.