I.N.D.I.A discusses ‘one’ election, says it’s not possible

The Opposition front I.N.D.I.A has taken note of the Centre's move to hold a ‘one nation one election,' as well as the possibility of early Lok Sabha elections. The leaders of 28 parties met informally Thursday night to discuss the issue among others, confirmed the general secretary of the Communist Party of India, D Raja, on Friday morning.

Raja's views can be taken as collective thinking of the parties gathered in Mumbai for a two-day meeting, their third to strategize a way to counter the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). It appeared that the Opposition was not much wary of the move, but it would protest and block the ‘one nation one election' bill in the special session of the Parliament later this month. At the same time, it was to be prepared for any eventuality, considering the BJP's way of seeing through their agenda in the law-making house.

‘Not practically possible'

Raja said the ‘one nation one vision' election theory was not practically and constitutionally possible in the country that is so diverse culturally, socially and politically. "The BJP is obsessed with this idea since it came to power. It is desperate. It should first discuss free and fair elections, and stop using money power (in the elections)," Raja told mid-day on the sidelines of the conclave in Santacruz.

"It is BJP's agenda…but it cannot throw the Constitution away just like that, because the tenure of the Assemblies and Lok Sabha are fixed. Why will Tamil Nadu be ready to hold elections along with Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh? Why does BJP want to terminate the terms of Assemblies?" asked the veteran, when told about a committee that has been formed by the Centre to act on the ‘one nation one election' agenda.

"There cannot be such a system in a culturally, socially and politically diverse nation like us," he stated further, saying Prime Minister Narendra Modi's argument that the elections held on different times incurred a huge cost to the nation, was without any substance.

‘Countdown to BJP's fall begins'

DMK President and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin on Friday urged partners of I.N.D.I.A to immediately hammer out a Common Minimum Programme and asserted it will be the face of the alliance. Stalin said the countdown for removing the BJP from the corridors of power has begun and thanked PM Modi for becoming what he called the "publication (publicity) officer" for the opposition I.N.D.I.A alliance. "There are no achievements in the nine years of the BJP regime.

Day by day this government is becoming unpopular whereas the I.N.D.I.A alliance is becoming popular." Addressing the opposition meet in Mumbai, Stalin said immediately, a coordination committee should be set up and a CMP must be prepared. "That (CMP) will be the face of the I.N.D.I.A alliance. The BJP regime has ruined the country in several ways. It (CMP) must present a road map to the people spelling out what we intend doing to undo it."

"Do not please think that we have joined hands for political gains. In order to safeguard the dignity of the nation, secularism and social justice, all of us have joined forces. We are going to take part in a big battle (2024 Lok Sabha polls) and all of you should support us in our battle (for India) and this is my appeal," he said.

Logon ke haath mein logo

A much-touted I.N.D.I.A logo launch didn't take place on the last day of the Opposition conclave, because the participants wanted it to be based on the public opinion. The organisers of the city event, the Shiv Sena (UBT), the Congress and NCP (Sharad Pawar) had prepared some designs for approval which didn't come on Friday. Instead it was suggested that people be invited with their designs from which the best one would be selected. Uddhav Thackeray said the hosts welcome the suggestion.

- Inputs from PTI