Bajwa Slams BJP’s One Nation, One Election Push, Claims It Threatens Federalism

Chandigarh(The Uttam Hindu): After the Union Cabinet approved bills to implement One Nation, One Election (ONOE), the Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in the Punjab Assembly, Partap Singh Bajwa, Friday accused the Bharatiya Janata Party-led Union Government of conspiring to weaken the federal structure.

"As per the Indian Constitution, India is a union of states. Every Indian state is unique and they have their own complications, issues, and priorities. The imposition of ONOE will end up undermining the rights of the states and promoting centralisation and authoritarianism," Bajwa added. Senior Congress Leader Bajwa said that the BJP government in the centre's push for ONOE would threaten federalism and India's diversity. The ONOE will adversely impact the country's future. By holding simultaneous state and Lok Sabha elections, national issues and national politics will dominate the issues and politics of the states.

"Ever since the BJP has assumed power, it has been hell-bent on encouraging the narrative of One Nation One Election, One Nation One Language, One Nation One Mandi, One Nation One Tax, etc. People of this country must bear in mind that India is a diverse country. Inflicting oneness would potentially engulf the beauty of diversity," Bajwa asserted. Qadian Legislator, Bajwa said that with the faulty implementation of the Goods and Services Tax (GST), the states have been reduced to begging for their share of tax.

Bajwa urged all the opposition parties including the regional parties to stand together firmly to oppose the ONOE. "Bajwa Slams BJP’s One Nation, One Election Push, Claims It Threatens Federalism" "To safeguard the constitution and the thriving democracy in the country, ONOE must be opposed tooth and nail," said Bajwa.