Uttar Pradesh Congress Committee president Ajay Rai on Tuesday strongly opposed the proposed 'One Nation, One Election' (ONOE) Bill, calling it "not in the interest of the country" and arguing that it could weaken India's federal structure. His remarks came during consultations held by the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) in Lucknow on the proposed electoral reform.
Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Rai said India has progressed through its federal system, where the Centre and states function independently within the constitutional framework. He maintained that while reforms are welcome, they should not come at the cost of dismantling the existing democratic structure. According to Rai, the proposed legislation has "numerous shortcomings" that require careful examination before any decision is taken.
The Joint Parliamentary Committee is currently reviewing the Constitution (One Hundred and Twenty-Ninth Amendment) Bill, 2024 and the Union Territories Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2024, which seek to pave the way for simultaneous elections to the Lok Sabha and state legislative assemblies. The committee has been conducting consultations with political parties, constitutional experts and stakeholders across various states to gather opinions on the proposal.
Ajay Rai reiterated that the Congress supports democratic reforms but believes the proposed "One Nation, One Election" model raises serious constitutional and practical concerns. He argued that India's diversity demands flexibility in governance rather than a single electoral schedule for all states. The Congress leader also submitted the party's objections before the parliamentary panel through a detailed 51-page memorandum outlining its concerns over the proposal.
Supporters of the ONOE proposal, including several BJP leaders and constitutional experts, argue that simultaneous elections would significantly reduce public expenditure, minimise disruption caused by the Model Code of Conduct, and allow governments to focus more on development instead of frequent election campaigns. During the Lucknow consultations, Uttar Pradesh Assembly Speaker Satish Mahana also backed the proposal, saying it would save administrative resources and improve governance.
The "One Nation, One Election" proposal remains one of the government's most significant electoral reform initiatives. As the JPC continues its nationwide consultations, the committee is expected to compile feedback from political parties and stakeholders before submitting its recommendations to Parliament. The debate is likely to remain a key political issue, with the ruling alliance highlighting efficiency and cost savings, while opposition parties continue to express concerns over its impact on India's federal structure and democratic processes.
