Shiv Sena Critiques 'One Party, One Election' Vision

Shiv Sena criticized the Indian government's simultaneous polls initiative, suggesting it aims to exclude minority religions from voting. The editorial likens this to US policies under Trump, who similarly targets minority groups. It views these movements as threats to democracy in both countries.

On Saturday, the Shiv Sena (UBT) took a firm stance against the central government's proposal for simultaneous elections, accusing it of intending to disenfranchise voters from minority religions under the guise of electoral reforms.

An editorial piece in Shiv Sena's publication, Saamana, compared the BJP's strategy to ensure only one political party prevails to former President Donald Trump's actions aiming to restrict voting access for Latinos, black Americans, and immigrants in the U.S.

The editorial fears such measures indicate a weakening of democratic foundations in both India and America, branding them as attacks on the democratic process and freedom of expression.

(With inputs from agencies.)