Oppn, govt lock horns over plan for 'l nation, 1 election'

The Union government's decision to set up a committee to explore the feasibility of simultaneous elections to the Lok Sabha and state assemblies sparked a political controversy on Friday, with the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) defending the move and the Opposition alleging that it was "against the interests" of the country.

- Saptarshi Das

Union parliamentary affairs minister Pralhad Joshi said the Opposition was scared of the government's proposal while Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath said the initiative will spur development.

"There will be a discussion (on *One Nation, One Election') in Parliament. Why is the Opposition scared (about it)? Democracy is about evolution; India is the mother of democracy. This is part of evolution," Joshi said.

In response, the Congress alleged that the Centre's move came because the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) sensed it would be trounced by the INDIA bloc in the general elections. The Shiv Sena (UBT) said the government needed to discuss the concept of One Nation, One Election with other political parties before implementing it. The Communist Party of India (Marxist) termed the decision "totally undemocratic".

The reactions came hours after the Union government announced a committee to explore the possibility of simultaneous polls for the Lok Sabha and state legislative assemblies, sparking a debate on an issue with far-reaching impact on politics, Constitution, and federalism.

The panel to be headed by former President Ram Nath Kovind -- was announced amid speculation that some legislation to align national and state elections could be introduced in the upcoming five-day special session of Parliament from September 18.

Rajasthan chief minister and senior Congress leader Ashok Gehlot said the BJP had "sensed its defeat" in the upcoming general elections, which are scheduled for April-May next year.