Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has criticised the Union Cabinet’s approval of the 'One Nation, One Election' Bill stating it is not only an "assault" on parliamentary democracy and the federal structure of India but also a "sinister conspiracy" to curb the rights of the states.
"At a time when the current electoral system is in dire need of reforms, such a bill will only weaken the foundations of democracy further. Before approving such a critical bill, the Modi government should have consulted opposition parties and state governments. However, true to its authoritarian tendencies, the BJP-led central government is trying to impose this undemocratic proposal on the country," said Siddaramaiah.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led Union Cabinet on Thursday approved the ‘One Nation, One Election’ Bill to be tabled in the ongoing winter session of Parliament and the bill paves the way for holding simultaneous Lok Sabha and Assembly polls, along with urban body and panchayat polls, within 100 days.
Siddaramaiah, while pointing out that the Kerala government had already passed a resolution opposing the proposal, said, "If needed, our government will also consult the Congress high command and adopt a similar resolution to send a strong message against this anti-democratic move".
Highlighting the lacunae in the Centre's proposal, the chief minister said it provided no solution to the crises that arise when the ruling party loses its majority in the Lok Sabha or state assemblies.
"In such situations, the only democratic remedy is to conduct fresh elections. Allowing a minority government to continue in power despite losing confidence would be nothing short of treachery against democracy," noted Siddaramaiah, who heads a state that has seen the collapse of the coalition governments due to mass defections in the past.
The implementation of such a flawed electoral system will need amendments to the Representation of the People's Act and at least five key provisions of the Constitution. Also, the current Election Commission lacks the capacity and resources to conduct simultaneous elections across the country, opined the CM.
"It is a gimmick and a desperate attempt by the Modi government to divert attention from its colossal failures. This is not about electoral reforms but about consolidating power and undermining the democratic spirit of our nation," alleged Siddaramaiah.
