Amit Shah refutes claims that ‘One Nation One Election’ undermines federalism

Union Home Minister Amit Shah, in his first media appearance after the BJP’s victory in the Lok Sabha elections, advocated for the concept of ‘One Nation, One Election.’ He dismissed concerns that the proposed bill undermines the principles of federalism.

Defending the BJP’s push for simultaneous elections, Shah pointed out that conducting Assembly and general elections together in 2014 and 2019 did not guarantee the BJP’s success in Odisha. He explained, “One Nation, One Election is not a new concept. The country has held three elections simultaneously. In 1952, all elections were held together. In 1957, although elections were scheduled for different dates, the assemblies in eight states were dissolved to facilitate simultaneous elections. Even the third election largely followed this approach.” He also noted that this practice ended after former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru dissolved the Communist Party of India (Marxist) government in Kerala, and Indira Gandhi later dissolved governments at the national level to suit political needs. “In 1971, Lok Sabha elections were called early to gain an advantage, and this is when separate elections began to occur,” he said.

Responding to criticisms that the ‘One Nation, One Election’ initiative might create a presidential-style political system that would benefit the BJP, Shah rejected these claims. He cited the example of Odisha, where simultaneous Assembly and Lok Sabha elections were held, but the BJP did not win. Similarly, despite securing a landslide victory in the 2019 general elections, the BJP failed to win in Andhra Pradesh, illustrating that simultaneous elections do not guarantee success for any party.

Shah’s comments came shortly after the Union Cabinet approved the ‘One Nation, One Election’ bill, which is expected to be presented in Parliament during the ongoing Winter Session. The bill proposes to amend key Articles of the Constitution—specifically Articles 82A, 83, 172, and 327—to enable simultaneous elections for the Lok Sabha and all state legislative assemblies.