Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge has rejected Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s proposal for simultaneous elections, deeming it “impossible.” Kharge’s remarks came shortly after the Prime Minister endorsed the concept during a speech in Gujarat’s Kevadia on National Unity Day, commemorating the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.
PM Modi’s Vision for ‘One Nation, One Election’
In his address, PM Modi emphasized that simultaneous polls would strengthen India’s democracy and optimize the use of resources. He reiterated, “We are now working towards One Nation, One Election… Today, India is moving towards One Nation, One Civil Code that is a Secular Civil Code.” The Prime Minister’s comments echoed his previous statements made during Independence Day celebrations.
Political Divisions on Simultaneous Polls
The proposal, which aims to hold both Lok Sabha and state assembly elections concurrently, has been strongly backed by the ruling BJP-led NDA coalition. However, it faces staunch opposition from Congress and other parties. Kharge stressed that for the initiative to move forward, PM Modi would need to gain consensus in Parliament, which he labeled as “impossible.”
Last month, the Union Cabinet approved a report by the Kovind committee on ‘One Nation, One Election,’ laying the groundwork for potential implementation. The committee, led by former President Ram Nath Kovind, submitted its findings in March to current President Droupadi Murmu.
