In a firm stance against the ‘One Nation, One Election’ concept proposed by the ruling BJP government, the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) has labelled the high-level committee examining the idea as “illegal”. The DMK, in a letter responding to the committee’s recent communication, asserted that the proposal undermines the Constitution and federalism, posing a serious threat to the democratic principles enshrined in the nation’s foundational document.
Opposition to Constitutional Amendments
The DMK argues that the committee’s role itself is unconstitutional, challenging the authority of a panel headed by former President Ram Nath Kovind to explore the feasibility of simultaneous elections to the Lok Sabha, State Assemblies, municipalities, and panchayats. The party contends that amending the Constitution to enforce simultaneous elections would infringe upon the rights granted to states, jeopardizing the delicate balance of power between the center and states.
Threat To Federalism
Expressing concern over the impact on center-state relations, the DMK vehemently opposes the committee’s potential alignment with the “power-hungry” BJP government. The party contends that the ‘One Nation, One Election’ idea, if implemented, could lead the country towards a presidential form of rule, eroding the autonomy of local bodies currently under the jurisdiction of states.
Legal Threats And Practical Impracticalities
The DMK warns of legal action if the committee persists in seeking views on the proposal, emphasizing that such an idea is impractical and fundamentally goes against the basic structure of the Constitution. The party highlights the impracticalities of simultaneous elections, including the dissolution of state assemblies, increased election costs, and the logistical challenge of acquiring sufficient Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs).
Democratic Concerns
Categorically stating that the ‘One Nation, One Poll’ idea weakens the democratic process, the DMK argues that it fails to provide an equal platform for national and state parties during elections. The party asserts that simultaneous elections would disproportionately impact rural populations and hinder the democratic process by dissolving state assemblies in the event of a change in the ruling party at the center.
The DMK has joined the former Jammu & Kashmir CM Omar Abdullah, AIMIM Chief Asaduddin Owaisi, Trinamool Congress Chief Mamata Banerjee, CPI(M) General Secretary Sitaram Yechury, Swaraj India leader Yogendra Yadav , and Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal in voicing displeasure and vehemently opposing the ‘One Nation, One Election’ proposal.
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