"Contradicts fundamental objectives of Constitution": Congress' Ajay Kumar Lallu on

Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh) [India], September 20 (ANI): Former President of the Uttar Pradesh Congress Committee, Ajay Kumar Lallu has expressed strong opposition to the "One Nation, One Election" initiative, stating that it contradicts the constitutional framework.

He emphasized that the Constitution clearly states that dissolving the Vidhan Sabha before its scheduled time would effect the democratic rights of citizens.
"The Constitution provides a clear framework for the state government, and deviating from that would undermine its principles," Lallu stated.
He further asserted that the concept of 'One nation, One election' contradicts the fundamental objectives of the Constitution.

"It is stated in the Constitution that dissolving the Vidhan Sabha before its scheduled time would violate the democratic rights of the citizens. The Constitution provides a clear framework for the state government, and deviating from that would undermine its principles. Additionally, the concept of 'one nation, one election' contradicts the fundamental objectives of the constitution," Lallu said while speaking to ANI.
Lallu also criticized the BJP for not addressing pressing national issues, including unemployment and the caste census
"Why doesn't the BJP address major issues like unemployment and the caste census? A recent index revealed that India ranks 111th out of 125 countries in terms of hunger. Prime Minister Modi and Amit Shah need to consider how to improve the country's image," he said.

Meanwhile, Samajwadi party leader Akhilesh Yadav also lashed out at the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) over the One Nation, One Election initiative, and said that if it is truly BJP's intention to avoid expenses by conducting one time elections then, why does the BJP carry out so many rallies.

"After the One Nation, One Election is implemented, they will point out that there is no need for the Election Commission and that a lot of money is spent on the EC officers. If One Nation, one Election gets implemented officers and workers will be brought through lateral entry, and they will be outsourced. If they really want to save the expenses why does BJP conduct so many rallies?" said the SP chief.

The Cabinet approved the 'One Nation, One Election' proposal, which proposes simultaneous Lok Sabha and assembly elections, with urban body and panchayat polls to be held within 100 days.

The High-level Committee on Simultaneous Elections, constituted under the chairmanship of former President Ram Nath Kovind, submitted its report to President Droupadi Murmu earlier this year.

The government said that the report, comprising 18,626 pages, is an outcome of extensive consultations with stakeholders, experts, and research work of 191 days, since its Constitution on September 2, 2023. (ANI)