The Karnataka government is considering a proposal along the lines of the Kerala government to oppose the Centre’s ‘one nation, one election’ scheme as the initiative is a threat to democracy and a “sinister conspiracy to undermine the rights of states”, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said. The Union Cabinet on Thursday said after approving the bill for this purpose.
“The Kerala government has already passed a resolution opposing the ‘One Nation, One Election’ proposal and conveyed its disagreement to the Centre. If necessary, our government will also consult the Congress high command and the same to send a strong message against this anti-democratic move. Will pass the resolution,” Siddaramaiah said in a post on X.
He further said,One nation, one electionThe proposal does not consider factors such as the ruling party losing its majority in the Lok Sabha or state assemblies where fresh elections are mandatory. “In such a situation, holding new elections is the only democratic solution. Allowing a minority government to remain in power despite the loss of trust would be nothing less than a betrayal of democracy,” Siddaramaiah added.
The approval of the “One Nation, One Election” Bill by the Union Cabinet is not only an attack on parliamentary democracy and the federal structure of India, but also a sinister conspiracy to stifle the rights of states. At a time when the current electoral system desperately needs…
— Siddaramaiah (@siddaramaiah) December 12, 2024
Siddaramaiah pointed out that amendments to the Representation of the People Act and at least five key provisions of the Constitution are necessary to implement the scheme. “The ‘one nation, one election’ gimmick is yet another desperate attempt by the (Narendra) Modi government to divert attention from its colossal failure. It is not about electoral reforms, but about consolidating power and undermining the democratic spirit of our nation,” he said. .
The proposed bill, Siddaramaiah said, was in line with the “dictatorial tendencies” of the BJP-led central government. He said on social media, ‘This bill is not only an attack on parliamentary democracy and the federal structure of India, it is also a sinister conspiracy to suppress the rights of the state.
At a time when the current electoral system needs reform, such a bill will further weaken the foundation of democracy. The Modi government should have consulted opposition parties and state governments before approving such a critical bill,” he added.
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