SHIMLA: In a shrewd move, the Modi-led Central government's proposal for "One Nation, One Election" has caught INDIA alliance, which convened its third meeting at the Mumbai Hyatt Grand hotel by surprise. The leaders wasted no time terming it as BJP's another ploy to divert attention of the nation from INDIA's emerging power in the country.
Unfazed by the BJP's One Nation, One Election bombshell, INDIA alliance has announced the formation of a 14-member Coordination Committee comprising 14 prominent leaders from various political parties that make up the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA).
Additionally, a social media and media campaign committees, consisting of all members from over 28 parties within INDIA, have also been established.
The INDIA alliance, often referred to as "One Nation, One Opposition" is being perceived as a formidable force that could challenge the dominance of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the upcoming 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
On the other hand, BJP's move, say analysts, aims at fracturing and creating fissures in INDIA as many of its partners see eye-ball to eye-ball with each other within the states if states also go to polls along with the Lok Sabha elections simultaneously in the country.
The Centre has constituted a panel on, One Nation, One Election, headed by former President of India Dr. Ram Nath Kovind, who himself has generated a row by accepting the offer to head the panel considering President office is the highest office in India and he is also Supreme Commander of the Indian Armed Forces.
But BJP is trying all tricks of trade to turn One Nation, One Election issue as a nationwide debate.
BJP may move in "One Nation, One Election", Bill, many comprehend it, in the coming special Parliament Session from September 15- 24.
Prime Minister Modi's fresh trump card is in line with his other "Ones" aims at creating fissures withing INDIA alliance.
As of now it has sparked debate on social media, turning it into 'One Nation, One Election' vs INDIA Alliance's, 'One Nation, One Opposition' with its slogan, ''Judega Bharat, Jeetega INDIA'.
But the Opposition- Congress, SP and RJP and Left- has termed it as a ploy with a Hidden agenda to distract and confuse the INDIA Alliance leaders.
BJP has conveyed across political circles that it was 'One Nation, One Election' till 1967 during the heydays of the Congress suzerainty in the country.
But the various political parties in the INDIA Alliance have criticized it and dumped it.
They argue that the BJP is also attempting to postpone the upcoming elections due in five states in 2024, out of fear of the INDIA Alliance.
The BJP's social media cell has released a video of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who passionately stated, "One Nation, One Election, is not just a topic for discussion; it is a necessity for India. Frequent elections disrupt development work".
"We must explore this concept thoroughly, with the presiding officers providing valuable insights. Moreover, we need to unify voter lists for all elections, whether at the Panchayat, Vidhan Sabha, or Lok Sabha level."
Following the formation of the committee on One Nation, One Election, BJP National President JP Nadda met with Dr. Ram Nath Kovind at his residence in New Delhi.
Social media is a divided lot, buzzing with discussions and celebrations over this political move, designed to "sow confusion within the INDIA Alliance during its ongoing crucial meeting in Mumbai".
While the BJP lacks a majority in the Rajya Sabha, the special session on One Nation, One Election move in Parliament need 2/3 majority.
There are speculations that the BJP may introduce the women's reservation bill during this session, given Prime Minister Modi's recent decision to reduce gas cylinder prices by Rs. 200 under the Ujjwala Yojana, aiming to woo women voters across the nation.
However, Prime Minister Modi emphasized that One Nation, One Election is crucial to curbing resource wastage caused by frequent elections and ensuring uninterrupted development.
He also expressed pride in India's successful Chandrayaan-3 mission and Neeraj Chopra's gold medal win in Athletics after a 40-year gap.
RJD spokesperson Mritunjay Tiwari warned that One Nation, One Election could weaken democracy, calling it a threat to democracy's principles.
AIMIM Chief and Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi argued that One Nation, One Election might be unconstitutional, as it could undermine India's federalism, which is a fundamental aspect of our Constitution. He also demanded the Modi government announce the dates for the winter session in advance, to prevent any last-minute delays.
Shiv Sena's Sanjay Raut insisted that India is one nation under the Constitution, and One Nation, One Election should not raise any doubts. He suggested that those opposing it may have ulterior motives.
Congress leader Bhai Jagat Singh expressed doubts about the constitutionality of implementing One Nation, One Election, particularly given the vast number of gram panchayats in India. He questioned whether such a sweeping change would require extensive discussions and criticized the government for acting out of fear.
In Response to BJP's One Nation One Election, CPI leader D Raja in Mumbai questioned the government's unilateral decision-making on a matter of such importance, saying that the unity among independent political parties has irked BJP.
He told Media that INDIA is formed to save India's democracy and constitution by removing the BJP from power."
