Debate Intensifies Over One Nation, One Election Bill

The 'One Nation, One Election' proposal in India, supported by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's BJP, aims to synchronize national and state elections to reduce costs and potentially boost GDP. This initiative faces strong opposition from political figures including Akhilesh Yadav, KC Venugopal, and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin, who argue it undermines India's federal structure and threatens regional diversity and democracy. Critics claim it could lead to a concentration of power and diminish the importance of state issues. The bill, which includes a constitutional amendment, has been introduced in Parliament and is under consultation by a joint parliamentary committee. Despite government assurances of its benefits, opposition parties remain skeptical, suggesting the move is a political strategy to consolidate power.