One Nation, One Election Bill 'Unconstitutional': Chidambaram

Congress politician P. Chidambaram has mounted a strong challenge to the government's 'One Nation, One Election' proposal during proceedings before a joint committee of Parliament, contending that the plan is fundamentally unconstitutional.

Chidambaram argued that conducting Lok Sabha and state assembly elections concurrently would constitute a violation of the Constitution's basic structure. He cautioned that the proposal poses a significant threat to India's democratic framework and warned against proceeding with legislation that runs counter to constitutional safeguards.

The Congress leader further noted that the government lacks the necessary parliamentary majority required to pass such legislation, adding another political hurdle to the proposal's advancement. His statements underscore growing opposition among opposition parties to the simultaneous election concept.

The joint committee is currently examining the 'One Nation, One Election' proposal as part of the legislative process. The submission represents the opposition's formal position on an issue that has drawn considerable debate across India's political spectrum regarding its constitutional validity and practical implications for democratic governance.