Thursday, February 13th, 2025

Why is there so much opposition to one country one election? understand the whole thing

Author: Aditya Sinha

Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal introduced the 129th Constitution Amendment Bill in the Lok Sabha on December 17. There was a proposal to hold elections for Lok Sabha and State Assemblies simultaneously. There was a heated debate on this bill. 269 ​​votes were cast in favor and 198 votes were cast against. Opposition parties said that this proposal weakens democracy and violates the basic structure of the Constitution. The bill has been sent to the Joint Parliamentary Committee. However, if constitutional principles, judicial precedents and governance imperatives are carefully considered, the opposition’s objections appear largely unfounded.

systematic change

Simultaneous elections are nothing new in India. Simultaneous elections were held throughout the country in 1951–52, 1957, 1962 and 1967. This tradition did not end because simultaneous elections were considered unconstitutional or harmful to democracy, it ended because midterm elections were required. The Constitution itself allows flexibility for the tenure of legislatures. In exceptional circumstances, elections may be held early or may even be extended. Therefore, the idea of ​​holding simultaneous elections is not a violation of the Constitution, but a systematic change.

the union will become stronger

It is not right for the opposition to say that simultaneous elections will weaken democracy. Democracy, which is the foundation of our Constitution, rests on free and fair elections. This proposal does not affect the public’s right to vote or elect its representatives. This makes the process simpler and cheaper by consolidating elections, which will reduce the expense and hassle of conducting elections again and again. This also does not affect federalism, another important feature of the Constitution. This has always allowed for stronger cooperation between the Center and the states. This amendment will not take away the power or independence of the states.

constitutional framework secure

This proposal does not affect other constitutional principles such as independence of the judiciary, rule of law and fundamental rights. Like before, the judiciary will have the right to review unconstitutional decisions. This amendment also does not interfere in the work of the Election Commission. Simultaneous holding of elections is merely a change in procedure, which does not change the democratic, federal or republican nature of the Constitution. An amendment is considered a violation of the basic structure of the Constitution only if it harms the identity of the Constitution.

many benefits

Repeated elections cost a lot of money and involve administrative effort. Development work and government schemes come to a halt due to implementation of the code of conduct at the time of every election. Simultaneous elections will reduce expenses and disruptions. With elections being held at different times, governments often make short-term populist policies to woo the public. In case of simultaneous elections, governments will be able to focus on long-term plans and stable policies.

political interest

The proposal has received support from several legal experts, including former Chief Justice of India Justice Dipak Misra. he/she simultaneously wrote a letter to the high-level committee constituted on simultaneous elections that this reform is in line with constitutional principles and promotes cooperative federalism. The opposition’s concern may seem right in theory, but in reality there is political interest behind it. Due to separate elections, parties pay more attention to regional issues and try to strengthen their position at the state level. This often leaves the broader goals of governance behind.

necessary improvements

Simultaneous elections are not a departure from constitutional principles, but an improvement in accordance with the democratic spirit and federal structure of India. It removes the problems caused by frequent elections and maintains the values ​​of the Constitution. By adopting this reform, India can further strengthen its democratic commitment. It can also ensure more effective and uninterrupted governance.

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