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President Droupadi Murmu's endorsement of the 'One Nation, One Election' bill signifies a significant push for electoral reform in India. Her address on the eve of Republic Day highlighted the bill's potential to streamline governance, reduce financial burdens, and mitigate resource diversion. The President framed the bill as a crucial step towards modernizing India's administrative processes and eliminating remnants of a colonial past, emphasizing its alignment with the government's broader agenda of good governance and efficient resource allocation. This initiative, while presented as a progressive measure to bolster administrative efficiency and economic prudence, has sparked considerable controversy and opposition from significant political players.
The core argument in favor of the 'One Nation, One Election' bill centers around the significant costs associated with conducting frequent elections across the country. Proponents, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and former President Ram Nath Kovind, argue that synchronizing election schedules would lead to substantial savings and reduce the disruption caused by repeated electoral cycles. Kovind's assertion that the concept of simultaneous polls was envisioned by the Constitution's framers further strengthens the government's stance. The historical precedence of simultaneous elections until 1967 is cited as evidence that the proposal is not inherently unconstitutional, rebutting arguments from opposition parties who claim it violates the basic structure of the Constitution. However, the lack of clarity on how to manage potential disruptions caused by unforeseen circumstances like the dissolution of legislative bodies or hung assemblies remains a key challenge to the bill’s implementation.
The opposition, primarily the Congress party, has vehemently criticized the 'One Nation, One Election' bill, labeling it anti-democratic and anti-federal. Their concerns revolve around the potential for compromising the autonomy of state governments and the possibility of undermining the diversity of regional political landscapes. The Congress has vowed to oppose the bill resolutely, raising serious concerns about its implications for the fairness and inclusivity of the electoral process. The debate highlights a fundamental conflict between the government's pursuit of efficiency and the opposition's defense of federal principles and democratic safeguards. This clash underscores a broader tension regarding the balance between centralized control and regional autonomy in India's governance structure. Furthermore, the practical challenges of implementing such a sweeping reform, including addressing logistical hurdles and accommodating the diverse electoral timelines of different states, remain significant points of contention.
Beyond the central issue of electoral reform, President Murmu's address also touched upon other significant government initiatives. The replacement of British-era criminal laws with the new Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam was highlighted as a key step in shedding colonial legacies and modernizing the Indian justice system. The emphasis on delivering justice, prioritizing crimes against women and children, and focusing on rehabilitation underscores the government's commitment to social reform and improved public safety. The President's address also showcased the government's economic achievements, emphasizing sustained high economic growth, job creation, increased income for farmers and laborers, and poverty reduction. The inclusion of welfare measures such as providing housing and access to clean drinking water as entitlements further highlights the government's focus on inclusive growth and social welfare.
The address also acknowledged the importance of inclusivity and social justice, recognizing the contributions of marginalized communities, including Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and Other Backward Classes (OBC). The President's highlighting of the diverse composition of the Constituent Assembly, including its female members, emphasized the historical context of India's commitment to inclusivity and gender equality. This reflects a broader narrative aimed at showcasing the nation's democratic values and the ongoing efforts to uphold the principles enshrined in the Constitution. By praising the contributions of freedom fighters and highlighting the enduring relevance of the Constitution, the President reinforced the national narrative of a nation built on democratic ideals, striving for progress and social justice. The overarching message reinforces the government's agenda of modernization, efficient governance, and social upliftment, framing the 'One Nation, One Election' bill within a broader context of national development and reform.
Source: "Promises To Redefine Good Governance": President Backs One Nation, One Poll