BENGALURU: Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge on Thursday dismissed Prime Minister Modi’s push for ‘One Nation, One Election,’ stating that such an initiative would be unworkable without comprehensive parliamentary agreement. Kharge argued that while Prime Minister Modi might present the plan as achievable, gathering the consensus required within Parliament remains a formidable challenge. “One Nation, One Election is simply not possible without the confidence and agreement of everyone in Parliament,” Kharge stated during a media interaction.
Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Modi had emphasized the BJP-led government’s commitment to realizing ‘One Nation, One Election’ and a Uniform Civil Code as part of broader democratic reforms. Speaking at the National Unity Day parade in Kevadia, Gujarat, he remarked that the push for simultaneous elections would optimize national resources and strengthen India’s democratic fabric. Modi added that a Secular Civil Code would be another significant step in this direction.
Highlighting past achievements, Modi pointed out that the government has already introduced ‘One Nation’ initiatives across sectors, including a unified GST tax system, the Aadhar identity scheme, and the One Nation One Ration Card, as well as reforms in health insurance through Ayushman Bharat. These steps, he argued, demonstrate the potential impact of consolidating governance measures.
In September, the Union Cabinet gave initial approval to the ‘One Nation, One Election’ proposal, suggesting the alignment of Lok Sabha, state assembly, urban body, and panchayat elections within a 100-day timeframe. The proposal was drafted following recommendations from a high-level committee chaired by former President Ram Nath Kovind, signaling a step toward restructuring India’s electoral landscape.
The ambitious plan, however, faces significant political scrutiny as leaders like Kharge raise concerns about the feasibility and inclusivity of implementing sweeping changes without robust consensus across party lines.
