‘Sinister conspiracy to curb rights of states’: Karnataka government to mull resolution against ‘One Nation, One Election’ move

He further said the ‘One Nation, One Election’ proposal does not consider factors like a ruling party losing its majority in the Lok Sabha or state assemblies where fresh elections are mandated. “In such situations, the only democratic remedy is to conduct fresh elections. Allowing a minority government to continue in power despite losing confidence would be nothing short of treachery against democracy,” Siddaramaiah added.

The Union Cabinet’s approval of the “One Nation, One Election” Bill is not only an assault on parliamentary democracy and the federal structure of India but also a sinister conspiracy to curb the rights of states. At a time when the current electoral system is in dire need of…

— Siddaramaiah (@siddaramaiah) December 12, 2024

Siddaramaiah pointed out that amendments to the Representation of the People Act and at least five key provisions of the Constitution would be required to implement the plan. “The ‘One Nation, One Election’ gimmick is yet another desperate attempt by the (Narendra) Modi government to divert attention from its colossal failures. This is not about electoral reforms but about consolidating power and undermining the democratic spirit of our nation,” he said.

The proposed Bill, Siddaramaiah said, is in line with the “authoritarian tendencies” of the BJP-led central government. “The Bill is not only an assault on parliamentary democracy and the federal structure of India but also a sinister conspiracy to curb the rights of states,” he said on social media.

“At a time when the current electoral system is in dire need of reforms, such a bill will only weaken the foundations of democracy further. Before approving such a critical bill, the Modi government should have consulted Opposition parties and state governments,” he added.