Kharge Challenges Modi's Vision of 'One Nation, One Election'

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge dismissed Prime Minister Modi's 'One Nation, One Election' initiative as impractical without parliamentary consensus. At a National Unity Day parade, PM Modi advocated for simultaneous elections to strengthen democracy and enhance resource utilization, highlighting past successes like GST and Aadhar. The initiative recently received Cabinet approval.

In a pointed criticism, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge on Thursday dismissed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's assertion that the 'One Nation, One Election' initiative could be realized. Kharge emphasized the need for consensus in Parliament, adding that such a major electoral overhaul is unlikely without widespread political agreement.

Earlier, Prime Minister Modi had championed the initiative during the National Unity Day celebrations in Kevadia, Gujarat. He asserted that aligning India's electoral processes would not only bolster democracy but also optimize resource allocation, potentially accelerating the country's development. Modi cited the successful implementation of policies like the GST and Aadhaar as precedents for his ambitious electoral vision.

Highlighting government achievements, Modi also mentioned the establishment of a unified tax system through GST, the nationwide Aadhar identity program, the One Nation One Power Grid for electricity distribution, and the One Nation One Ration Card system. The 'One Nation, One Election' proposal, now approved by the Union Cabinet, aims for concurrent national and state elections, reflecting recommendations from a high-level panel led by former President Ram Nath Kovind.

(With inputs from agencies.)