“Country Needs One Nation, One Education, Not …": Arvind Kejriwal
Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convenor, Arvind Kejriwal, has raised concerns about the Centre’s push for ‘One Nation, One Election’, arguing that the country needs focused attention on issues like education and healthcare, rather than the synchronisation of elections. In a recent statement, Kejriwal criticised the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for what he perceived as misplaced priorities, emphasising the importance of prioritising “One Nation, One Education” and “One Nation, One Healthcare System” instead of the controversial proposal of simultaneous elections.
The ‘One Nation, One Election’ proposal, backed by the Union Cabinet and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, seeks to align elections for the Lok Sabha, state assemblies, and local bodies. This initiative has sparked heated debates, with several opposition parties and states voicing their objections. The government claims the proposal will reduce the frequency of elections, leading to smoother governance and faster national progress. Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan recently highlighted the disruptive impact of frequent elections, suggesting that unified polls would allow for uninterrupted development.
Although the initiative has received support from 32 out of 47 political parties consulted by a high-level committee led by former President Ram Nath Kovind, critics argue that it may not be practical in India’s complex democratic system. Some experts believe that holding simultaneous elections could lead to challenges, such as dealing with hung legislatures and encouraging anti-defection practices, while others suggest it could diminish India’s federal structure.
Kejriwal’s AAP party has been vocal against the move, asserting that ‘One Nation, One Election’ could undermine the foundations of parliamentary democracy and compromise the Constitution’s integrity. The AAP further pointed out that the purported financial savings from this initiative would amount to just 0.1% of the government’s annual budget, questioning whether such a shift in electoral procedure is truly worth the potential risks to democratic principles.
In contrast, proponents of the plan argue that it would reduce the economic burden of frequent elections, boost voter participation, and foster greater national cohesion. However, the debate continues, with opposition parties emphasising the importance of safeguarding the country’s federal values and democratic diversity. The government aims to introduce a bill for the initiative during the ongoing Winter Session of Parliament, but with significant opposition, it remains to be seen how the proposal will fare in the legislative process.
