Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], December 12 : After the 'One Nation One Election' bill got the Union Cabinet's nod on Thursday, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah slammed the Centre saying that the bill is a "sinister conspiracy to curb the rights of states."
Siddaramaiah pointed out the lack of consultation with opposition parties and state governments, describing the move as undemocratic and authoritarian, aimed at imposing the BJP's will on the country.
"The Union Cabinet's approval of the "One Nation, One Election" Bill is not only an assault on parliamentary democracy and the federal structure of India but also a sinister conspiracy to curb the rights of states. At a time when the current electoral system is in dire need of reforms, such a bill will only weaken the foundations of democracy further," the Karnataka CM posted on X (formerly Twitter).
"Before approving such a critical bill, the Modi government should have consulted opposition parties and state governments. However, true to its authoritarian tendencies, the BJP-led central government is trying to impose this undemocratic proposal on the country," he added.
Siddaramaiah further mentioned that, if needed, the Karnataka government would adopt a resolution opposing the bill, similar to the Kerala government's move.
"The Kerala government has already passed a resolution opposing the "One Nation, One Election" proposal and has communicated its dissent to the Centre. If needed, our government will also consult the Congress High Command and adopt a similar resolution to send a strong message against this anti-democratic move," he said.
"This proposal provides no solutions to the crises that arise when the ruling party loses its majority in the Lok Sabha or state assemblies. In such situations, the only democratic remedy is to conduct fresh elections. Allowing a minority government to continue in power despite losing confidence would be nothing short of treachery against democracy," Siddaramaiah added.
The Karnataka CM explained that implementing such a "flawed electoral system" would require amendments to the Representation of the People Act would be required adding that the Election Commission lacks the resources to conduct simultaneous elections.
"For the implementation of such a flawed electoral system, amendments to the Representation of the People Act and at least five key provisions of the Constitution would be required. Moreover, the current Election Commission lacks the capacity and resources to conduct simultaneous elections across the entire country," he said.
"The "One Nation, One Election" gimmick is yet another desperate attempt by the Modi government to divert attention from its colossal failures. This is not about electoral reforms but about consolidating power and undermining the democratic spirit of our nation," he added.
The Union Cabinet on Thursday approved the 'One Nation, One Election,' bill in the parliament, marking a significant step towards the electoral process.
A comprehensive bill is expected to follow this decision, paving the way for unified Lokk Sabha and state Assembly elections across the nation.
The decision ignited criticism from the Opposition including the Congress, which said that the bill was against the basic structure of the Constitution.
Congress MP Jairam Ramesh said, "The bill will be presented in Parliament, and we want it to be referred to the Joint Parliamentary Committee, which will hold discussions on it. The Indian National Congress's position was clarified last year by party president Mallikarjun Kharge, who sent a four-page letter to former President Ram Nath Kovind's committee on One Nation, One Election, stating that we oppose the bill."
However, the ruling BJP leaders supported the bill, calling it the need of the hour.
BJP MP Kangana Ranaut praised the 'One Nation, One Election' initiative, calling it the need of the hour as conducting elections every six months imposes a significant financial burden on the government.
"'One Nation, One Election' is very important because conducting elections every six months costs the government treasury a great deal. The biggest challenge is encouraging people to come out and vote repeatedly. Voter turnout is declining every year. This is the need of the hour, and everyone supports it," she said.
Notably, in September this year, the Union Cabinet approved the 'One Nation, One Election' proposal, which aims to hold simultaneous Lok Sabha and Assembly elections, along with urban body and panchayat polls, within a span of 100 days.
The recommendations were outlined in a report by a high-level panel chaired by former President Kovind.