The union government introduced the One Nation One Election Bill today in the parliament, but the BJP failed to get the minimum number of votes to get it passed, as the Bill needs the amendment of the Constitution to get implemented. While a simple majority of those present and voting is enough to allow a bill to be tabled, the legislation to amend the Constitution requires approval from two-thirds of the members present and voting. The ‘One Nation, One Election’ proposal failed to gain two-thirds support. The government secured only 269 votes and the opposition got 198 votes.The One Nation, One Election concept and principles of the federal system are contradictory, and the concept harms the basic structure of the Constitution. Further, it is against the spirit of Article 1 of the Constitution of India which states that “India, that is Bharat, shall be a union of states and the territory of India consists of that of the states, union territories specified in the First Schedule and other acquired territories.” This Article unequivocally defines the characteristic of the state of India which is federalistic. Federalism is a key element of the democratic system. Any attempt that harms or dilutes the federal nature undermines democratic principles. India, as a country of diversity, is bound to follow the federal system without affecting any change to the basic structure of the Constitution. The three-tier governing hierarchy, i.e. local bodies – state governments – and union government, ensures federalism, and election to these bodies depending on their term in office is the practice that the country follows. One nation, one election is the sequel of the RSS ideology of one nation, one culture, one language. By enacting a law of the One Nation concept, the government aims to convert the federal nation to a monolithic nation in consonance with the ideology put forward by the RSS ideologue Golwalkar. SDPI strongly opposes the law and demands that the law be withdrawn and the existing system of election be retained.

Sharfudheen Ahmad

National Vice President