The Kerala assembly has passed a resolution asking the central government to take back its decision to hold national, state, and local elections at the same time. Kerala's parliamentary affairs minister, MB Rajesh, speaking on behalf of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, referred to this concept as "one nation, one election" as being anti-democratic. Kerala is the first to formally oppose this proposal.

The proposal, which was approved by the central government, suggests holding elections at the national, state, and local levels at the same time. The assembly argued that this would harm the country’s social, cultural, and political diversity.

Kerala assembly
Image Source: LatestLY

MB Rajesh, while presenting the resolution, said, “The proposal is undemocratic. We see it as a concerted attempt to damage the country’s social, cultural, and political diversities. When there are simpler ways to reduce expenses and ensure smoother governance, the proposal is aimed at destroying the federal structure, which is at the core of the Constitution, challenging the rights of the people, and hampering the rights of state assemblies and local self-governments."

He added that the move would lead to the centralization of power and was part of the Bharatiya Janata Party's and Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh's agenda to create a unitary administrative system.

The 'One Nation, One Election' proposal, which was included in the BJP's 2024 election manifesto, has faced opposition from several political parties and activists. They argue and criticize that it could damage democratic accountability and disrupt the functioning of various levels of government.

On September 18, the central government accepted the recommendations of a committee led by former president Ram Nath Kovind and announced that a group would be formed to carry out the plan. However, the proposal needs to change the Constitution, which requires approval from two-thirds of Parliament and agreement from state assemblies. It is still unsure if the government, with a smaller majority, can get the needed support.

The resolution also included a change suggested by IUML legislator N. Shamsudheen. He said the proposal should not be called an electoral "reform" but should instead be called an agenda of BJP-RSS. Other changes were also accepted to make the resolution stronger.

One Nation, One Election

ONOE refers to the proposal of holding elections together for the Lok Sabha and all state legislative assemblies in India. In some cases, it may also include local body elections, such as those for municipalities and panchayats.

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