‘Forcing all polls in single timeline will undermine federal structure’
Kolkata: A day after Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress (TMC) supremo Mamata Banerjee slammed the Centre over its decision to push for the concept of simultaneous polls to the Lok Sabha and state assemblies, her party on Friday attacked the Central government highlighting what adverse effects will be seen in this policy is implemented by the Centre.
The Trinamool Congress in a post on X pointed out that “forcing all elections into a single timeline will undermine the federal structure by shortening or extending the terms of state legislatures, eroding their autonomy. The regional and local issues will be overshadowed. The move will also compromise the democratic mandate and constitutional provisions. “Studies show a 77 per cent likelihood of voters choosing the same party for both state and LS elections in simultaneous polls, risking a slide towards ‘One Nation, One Party’ autocracy”, reads the post. Incidentally, Banerjee on Thursday termed the move “unconstitutional and anti-federal.”
Calling it an attack on democracy, Banerjee alleged that the proposed legislation by the Centre “One Nation, One Election” was an attempt to centralise power undermining the country’s democratic structure.
In a post on X, Banerjee stated: “The Union Cabinet has bulldozed their way through with the unconstitutional and anti-federal One Nation, One Election Bill, ignoring every legitimate concern raised by experts and opposition leaders.” Refusing to call it “a carefully-considered reform”, Banerjee said that this attempt by the Centre will damage the federal structure of the country.
“This is not a carefully-considered reform; it’s an authoritarian imposition designed to undermine India’s democracy and federal structure,” Banerjee stated further on her X handle.
“Our MPs will oppose this draconian legislation tooth and nail in Parliament. Bengal will NEVER bow to Delhi’s dictatorial whims. This fight is about saving India’s democracy from the clutches of autocracy!” Banerjee also mentioned.
