Cong., AAP oppose simultaneous polls, while BJP welcomes

Deputy Chief Minister and Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) president D.K. Shivakumar on Saturday strongly opposed the Union government’s proposed “One Nation One Election” (ONOE) initiative, during a dialogue organised by the Joint Parliamentary (JPC) Study Committee in Bengaluru, while State BJP president B.Y. Vijayendra supported its implementation.

Leaders from various political parties met the JPC on the Constitution (129th Amendment) Bill, 2024, and The Union Territories Laws (Amendment) Bill on the issue of simultaneous elections. They gave representations and interacted with JPC chairmanship P.P. Chaudhary (BJP MP) and Sambit Patra (BJP MP).

Mr. Shivakumar argued that the ONOE idea was “a politically motivated power-centralising scheme that would seriously damage the federal structure by weakening the States”, and it posed a danger to the democratic system.

He stated that the Karnataka Legislative Assembly had already passed a resolution opposing the ONOE and read out that resolution at the meeting, arguing that it was also an impractical idea. Mr. Shivakumar alleged that it was “a ploy to suppress the voices of regional parties and Opposition parties”.

Mr. Vijayendra contended that simultaneous elections would not only ease the burden on the State exchequer, but also help the bureaucracy better focused on developmental work.

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), which also presented its views, argued that the Centre’s cited reasons for simultaneous elections “are neither relevant nor being resolved by the current amendment”. Presenting nine key reasons for its opposition, the AAP argued, “Election expenditure is estimated to be around 0.25% of the Union government Budget which is a justified expense done on an important tool of democracy. The proposed bill does not mention or address how and how much of this expense will be or can be saved.”

The AAP said that while the amendment tries to address some technicalities of administration, it tends to overlook the spirit of democracy and intent of our Constitution.

Speaking later at a press meet, Mr. Chaudhary pointed out that the ONOE was a Constitutional amendment and needs two-thirds majority. “Therefore, this amendment can happen only if the NDA gets the support of other parties. And I am sure that all parties, in the national interest, without ego, will be able to resolve differences and arrive at a consensus. Our aim is to submit such a report that is acceptable to all.” He added, however, that maintaining synchronised elections over the years can be a “herculean task”.

He argued that governance directly and indirectly get hit because multiple elections being held in multiple States at different times. “With the officials being away in election duty, social welfare schemes do not reach the beneficiaries,” he said.