Jumla, stunt, conspiracy: Opposition slams Govt over One Nation One Election

Several opposition parties criticized the government's approval of the One Nation One Election proposal on Wednesday, labeling it a "political stunt" doomed to fail. The measure, which seeks to hold simultaneous elections for the Lok Sabha and state Assemblies, was cleared by the Union Cabinet following the submission of a report from a high-level committee led by former President Ram Nath Kovind.

AAP leader Sandeep Pathak called the initiative a "jumla" (false promise) and mocked the BJP for failing to conduct simultaneous elections in several states, including Haryana and Jammu and Kashmir. Pathak suggested that the government had rushed the proposal without proper consultation, drawing parallels to the introduction of the three controversial farm laws.

RJD leader Mrityunjay Tiwari echoed similar concerns, suggesting that the BJP was using this measure to undermine regional parties, which he described as part of a broader conspiracy. Tiwari also warned that such decisions could create a constitutional crisis.

Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge expressed firm opposition, stating that One Nation One Election was incompatible with democracy. Kharge emphasized that elections must be held as needed to maintain democratic integrity.

JMM MP Mahua Maji alleged that the BJP was trying to consolidate its dominance by weakening regional parties, citing recent examples of political shifts in Maharashtra and Odisha.

AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi strongly opposed the proposal, arguing that it undermined federalism and weakened democracy. Owaisi defended frequent elections, noting that they enhance democratic accountability.