New Delhi: Senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Sunday responded to the “One Nation, One Election” system, saying that the same is “an attack on India.”
In a message posted on X (formerly known as Twitter), Gandhi said, “INDIA, that is Bharat, is a Union of States. The idea of ‘one nation, one election’ is an attack on the Union and all its States.”
Congress Rejects Committe Invitation
In the latest, Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury rejected becoming part of the eight-member committee, saying that he did not even hesitate to decline participation in the panel. The committee will be headed by former president Ram Nath Kovind.
He alleged that the terms of reference have been set in a way that the conclusion is confirmed, which is that the simultaneous elections will happen.
Also Read: Outrage Erupts After MK Stalin’s Son Equates ‘Sanatana Dharma’ to Malaria, Dengue
In his statement, Chowdhury clarified that he could not accept the position as LoP Mallikarjun Kharge was not considered, which is an insult.
Rahul Gandhi’s First Reaction
Notably, this is the first response of Rahul Gandhi after a committee was formed to discuss and mull over the “One Nation, One Election” system. Union minister for parliamentary affairs Pralhad Joshi on Friday announced the formation of a committee regarding that.
BJP Hailed One Nation, One Election In Past
It should be noted that it is not the first time the topic of simultaneous elections for states and Centre has been raised but it has eventually emerged multiple times. This is even the fourth committee to be set up to look into the efficiency of “One Nation, One Election” if it ever comes to implementation.
Also Read: G20 Summit Shakes Up Delhi: Over 300 Trains Disrupted, Traffic Chaos Looms
Observing the trail to the past, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders have constantly asked to implement the system, citing the evolution in democracy.
Till 1967
The “One Nation, One Election” system pertains to conducting elections in states, Union Territories and the Centre simultaneously as it was the case till 1967. The system was disrupted owing to the premature dissolution of some state assemblies in 1968 and 1969.