Former Finance Minister P Chidambaram has opposed the “One Nation, One Election” proposal at a meeting of the Joint Parliamentary Committee for the bill today, calling it “unconstitutional”.
Chidambaram also noted that the government lacks the requisite two-thirds majority in Parliament to pass this bill. Trinamool Congress MP Sagarika Ghose also opposed the initiative, expressing apprehension that it would grant the Election Commission unlimited and unchecked powers. However, he dismissed the contention that the initiative for simultaneous elections violates the basic structure of the Constitution. He noted that since Chidambaram represents a different political party, he might hold a different perspective. Supporting the ‘One Nation, One Election’ concept, the Padma awardees described it as a far-reaching step for the nation’s development. Dr. Saumitra Rawat pointed out that the continuous election cycle disrupts academic calendars and the schedules of major entrance exams like NEET.
Appearing before the committee-chaired by BJP MP PP Chaudhary, the senior Congress leader strongly opposed the bills related to “One Nation, One Election” — labelling them “flawed,” and “illogical”. Responding to Chidambaram’s arguments, committee chairman PP Chaudhary said it would thoroughly examine his views and suggestions.
