Kerala CM Criticizes One Nation, One Election Initiative

By A Staff Reporter

Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has voiced strong opposition to the One Nation, One Election initiative, labeling it a hidden agenda that seeks to undermine India’s federal structure and consolidate power within the central government.

Vijayan stated, “The concept of 'One Nation, One Election' is aimed at weakening India's federal structure and granting the central government absolute power.” He criticized the BJP, asserting that the party has failed to learn from the setbacks it encountered in the last Lok Sabha elections.

Highlighting recent developments, he pointed out that the central government approved the Ram Nath Kovind committee report shortly after Home Minister Amit Shah announced plans to implement the single election scheme within the current government term.

Vijayan further argued that the Sangh Parivar is covertly working to shift India’s electoral politics toward a presidential system, warning that the slogan "One Nation, One Election" is intended to dismantle the rich diversity of Indian parliamentary democracy. “Each state in India has its own unique circumstances and background,” he noted, emphasizing that conducting elections without considering these differences could lead to forced central rule or undermine the people's mandate.

He called on the democratic community to stand against the Sangh Parivar's attempts to subvert India's parliamentary system and the very essence of the nation itself. As discussions surrounding the initiative continue, Vijayan’s remarks reflect the broader concerns of various regional leaders regarding its implications for federalism in India.