One Nation One Election : AAP and RPI present their parties’ views before consultant committee

New Delhi, Feb 09 (Agency) One Nation One Election committee, under the Chairmanship of former President Ram Nath Kovind, held a meeting with RPI President Ramdas Athawale and AAP leaders regarding simultaneous elections in the country here on Friday. During the meeting minister and RPI President Ramdas Athawale and leaders of AAP presented their parties’ views on ‘One Nation One Election’ before the high level committee. The committee members Dr N. K. Singh and Sanjay Kothari were also present in the meeting and held personal interactions with the Members of both political parties. AAP leader Jasmine Shah in his social media post X, said, “AAP vehemently opposes the idea of simultaneous polls as it dilutes voter accountability.” He further added, “ The tenets of the constitution and democracy cannot be sacrificed for narrow financial gains or administrative convenience.”

“We also pointed out the flawed nature of the current consultation which is taking place on a vague idea without any policy draft on the table,” he added. Earlier, the Committee held personal interactions with D. Raja, General Secretary, of the Communist Party of India, and three political parties which includes, Trinamool Congress, Samajwadi Party and Communist Party of India (Marxist) on holding simultaneous elections in the country. On September 22, the government constituted a committee headed by former President Ram Nath Kovind to explore the possibility of ‘One Nation, One Election’, holding simultaneous Lok Sabha and state Assembly elections. According to the reports, the Centre is also planning to introduce the ‘One Nation, One Election’ Bill in Parliament. The One Nation One Election is not a new concept for the country. India had simultaneously held Lok Sabha and Assembly elections — in 1951-52, 1957, 1962 and 1967.