'One Nation, One Election' Concept Faces Strong Opposition from Trinamool Congress Chief Mamata Banerjee

Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee has firmly opposed the concept of "One Nation, One Election," expressing her reservations in a letter to the high-level committee on the matter. Banerjee argued that simultaneous polls to the Lok Sabha and assemblies would contradict the foundational principles of India's constitutional arrangements.

Citing historical precedence, Banerjee noted, "There was such simultaneity for some years. But the coevality has since been ruptured..." She regretfully conveyed her disagreement with the committee's framing of 'One Nation, One Election,' stating, "I cannot agree with the concept... We disagree with your formulation and proposal."

The chief minister highlighted conceptual difficulties in supporting the committee's stance, questioning the meaning of 'One Nation' in this context. She raised a crucial constitutional query, stating, "Does the Indian Constitution follow the concept of 'One Nation, One Government'? I am afraid, it does not."

Banerjee stressed the need to understand the "basic enigma" behind the concept before forming conclusive views. She argued against forcing states without imminent elections to hold "premature general elections for the sake of the introduction of coevality," deeming it a violation of electoral trust.

Emphasizing the complexities of governance, Banerjee noted, "The central or a state government may not complete their term for various reasons." She suggested that in such cases, fresh elections remain the only viable option.

Banerjee underscored the sanctity of non-simultaneous federal and state elections as a basic feature of the Westminster system, cautioning against altering this fundamental aspect. She concluded, "To paraphrase, non-simultaneity is part of the basic structure of the Indian Constitutional arrangements."

The high-level committee, chaired by former president Ram Nath Kovind, had initiated discussions on the "One Nation, One Election" concept. Seeking opinions from political parties, the committee has conducted two meetings since its constitution in September last year. It actively sought public views on the matter and emphasized the importance of a mutually agreed-upon date for interactions with political parties on the proposed idea of simultaneous polls.

Author: Anushka Taraniya

News Writer, MIT ADT University