‘Misplaced priorities’: Opposition slams Cabinet nod to One Nation One Election

The Opposition INDIA bloc leaders attacked the BJP after sources earlier said that the ‘One Nation, One Election’ bill was cleared by the Union Cabinet, and said that it was an attempt to undermine democracy. While some leaders pointed to other important issues like education and healthcare, others questioned the logistics behind holding simultaneous elections, and said larger consultations on the bill are required.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin called the bill a “draconian” measure that would “erase regional voices, erode federalism, and disrupt governance.” He urged people to “resist this attack on Indian Democracy with all our strength.”

AAP National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal slammed the BJP over “misplaced priorities,” saying, “The country needs one nation, one education, and one nation, one healthcare system. Not one nation, one election.”

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee condemned the move as “unconstitutional” and an “authoritarian imposition.” She said, “This is not a carefully-considered reform; it’s an attempt to undermine India’s democracy and federal structure. Bengal will never bow to Delhi’s dictatorial whims.”

She pledged to oppose the legislation “tooth and nail” in Parliament.

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann criticised the government on Thursday, saying that before considering “one nation, one election,” the focus should be on “one nation, one education” and “one nation, one healthcare.” Speaking to reporters outside Parliament, Mann called it strange that the government prioritised election reforms over initiatives that could benefit the entire country.

He described the move as arbitrary, arguing that while unified education and healthcare would serve the public, the election proposal seemed aimed at advancing the political agenda of the ruling party. Mann further accused the government of pursuing its own interests over public welfare, labelling the approach as dictatorial and harmful to regional parties and states.

The Cabinet on Thursday approved the ‘One Nation, One Election’ bill, according to the sources. The draft bill is expected to be tabled in Parliament in the ongoing winter session.

The development came weeks after the Centre endorsed the recommendations of a high-level committee led by former President Ram Nath Kovind. The panel proposed conducting simultaneous elections for the Lok Sabha, state assemblies, and local bodies in a phased manner.

The government, anticipating scrutiny of the bill, decided to refer the bill to a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) to foster a wide consensus, sources said. In addition, the views of state assembly Speakers, along with those of intellectuals, experts, and civil society members, were to be considered. Public input was also set to be sought, sources added.

(Inputs by Aman Bhardwaj)