‘Will Oppose This Law Tooth & Nail’: Opposition Slams ‘One Nation, One Election’ Bill – News18

Last Updated:December 12, 2024, 18:03 IST

Top Opposition leaders condemned the bill, calling it “anti-democratic” and an authoritarian move designed to “undermine India’s democracy”

Reactions poured in on Thursday after the Union Cabinet approved the ‘One Nation, One Election’ proposal, with sources stating that the central government plans to introduce a comprehensive bill on the matter next week, during the ongoing Winter Session of Parliament.

Top Opposition leaders, including West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin, condemned the bill, calling it “anti-democratic” and an authoritarian move designed to “undermine India’s democracy.”

Trinamool Congress (TMC) supremo Mamata Banerjee criticised the bill, stating that the Union Cabinet had bulldozed through an unconstitutional and anti-federal ‘One Nation, One Election’ Bill. She added that her party’s MPs would oppose this “draconian legislation” in Parliament.

“This is not a carefully-considered reform; it’s an authoritarian imposition designed to undermine India’s democracy and federal structure,” she stated.

Meanwhile, DMK President and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin remarked, “The Union Cabinet has approved introducing the draconian ‘One Nation, One Election Bill’ in Parliament. This impractical and anti-democratic move will erase regional voices, erode federalism, and disrupt governance.”

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convenor and former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal suggested that instead of “One Nation, One Election,” the country should focus on education and healthcare, slamming the BJP-led central government for its “misplaced priorities.”

Meanwhile, JMM president and Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren remarked: “They have the majority, they can take any decision…this is their own agenda. They will work on their agenda, we will work on our agenda.”

Congress general secretary in-charge communications Jairam Ramesh stated, “The bill will be presented in the Parliament and we want it to be sent to the JPC. The INC’s stand was made clear last year itself by party president Mallikarjun Kharge when he sent a four-page letter to former President Ram Nath Kovind’s committee on One Nation One Election.”

Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Arvind Sawant noted that the bill requires elaborate discussions. “It’s not easy. Being a country which believes in Federalism, there are issues which need detailed discussions. JPC should be called to address this issue. There are millions of stakeholders.”

(With inputs from agencies)