Tripura CM Manik Saha welcomes Union Cabinet nod for ‘One Nation, One Election’

“Now, it’s time for a new electoral era with the ‘One Nation, One Election’ initiative. My heartfelt thanks to the Hon’ble PM for this historic move; it will be a milestone in ensuring political stability, and a transparent and cost-effective electoral process.”

Like Saha, other chief ministers from the Northeast, such as Himanta Biswa Sarma, also welcomed the decision. Sarma said ‘One Nation, One Election’ would simplify the poll process, boost governance and strengthen democracy.

Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu said the Union Cabinet’s move would prove to be a decisive step for the nation’s future.

“With the Cabinet accepting the recommendations of the High-Level Committee on Simultaneous Elections, led by former President Hon Shri Ram Nath Kovind Ji, Hon PM Shri Narendra Modi ji’s vision for a more vibrant and participative democracy takes a historic leap forward,” the Arunachal Pradesh CM said.

Tripura Social Welfare Minister Tinku Roy said the ‘One Nation, One Election’ plan would reduce poll-related expenditure and help in the implementation of government schemes without any interruption.

However, the Opposition CPI(M) and the Congress termed the Centre’s decision a threat to the democratic and federal structure of the country.

“In a country with diversity like India, this decision is a threat to the Constitution’s basic structure. It will dilute the voice of individual states. The Modi government is trying to impose the decision to earn political benefits but it will fail,” said Tripura Leader of Opposition Jitendra Chaudhury.

Asish Kumar Saha, Tripura Pradesh Congress president, said, “The Modi government failed to address critical issues like unemployment, and skyrocketing prices of commodities… It is an attempt to divert people’s focus from the main issues. If implemented, the democratic process will be undermined.”

The Union Cabinet approved the proposal for ‘One Nation, One Election’, which was earlier recommended by a committee headed by former president Ram Nath Kovind in March, before the Lok Sabha polls this year.

The new system could be implemented in two phases – Lok Sabha elections and Assembly polls in the first phase, with local body elections in the second phase, within 100 days of the first phase of elections.