'Draconian' bill will erase regional voices, erode federalism: TN CM

PTI Chennai: The One Nation, One Election Bill approved by the Union Cabinet was "impractical" and an "anti-democratic" move that will erase regional voices and erode federalism, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin on Thursday. Expressing his ire over the move, he said the Union Cabinet has approved introducing the”draconian” ‘One Nation, One Election Bill' in the Parliament.

“This impractical and anti-democratic move will erase regional voices, erode federalism, and disrupt governance. Rise up #INDIA!” Stalin said in a post on X. He further said”Let's resist this attack on Indian Democracy with all our strength! #SayNoTo- ONOE.”

Andhra health minister welcomes cabinet: Andhra Pradesh Health Minister Satya Kumar Yadav on Thursday welcomed the Union Cabinet’s approval for the ‘One Nation One Election’ bill, calling it a major statement for aspirational India’s uninterrupted development. Today, the Union Cabinet approved the bills to implement ‘One Nation, One Election’, and they are likely to be introduced in the Parliament in the ongoing Winter session.

“One Nation-One Election’ Bill approved by Union Cabinet on December 12 is a major statement on behalf of aspirational India for uninterrupted development. More so, when our Nation has resolved to realise ‘Viksit Bharat’ (developed India) by 2047, when we celebrate 100 years of our Independence from foreign role (rule),” said Yadav in a post on X. Scattered elections across the country yearround for Lok Sabha, State Assemblies and local bodies are adversely impacting the development process, besides incurring huge expenditure, he said.

“We don’t have luxury of time to catch up with developed nations. ‘One Nation-One Election’ resolve leads to united effort by 145 crore Indians to make our country Viksit Bharat,” Yadav added.

BRS seeks clarity

The opposition BRS in Telangana on Thursday stated that it needs more clarity on the 'One Nation, One Election' bill, which was approved by the Union Cabinet, before taking a stance on the issue. The BRS had supported the concept in 2017 when a meeting was convened on simultaneous polls, BRS Working President K T Rama Rao said.

"But this is Modi 3.0. I'm not sure what they have in mind. We are firm proponents of federalism and strong advocates for regional parties to have their voices heard. We will have to wait and see in what form this bill will come," he said. He added that discussions about the delimitation of constituencies and the implementation of women's reservation might influence 'One Nation, One Election.'