Karnataka Congress Government Likely To Pass Resolution To Oppose Centre's 'One Nation, One Election' Initiative

The Karnataka government is likely to to pass a resolution opposing the Union Government's ‘One Nation, One Election’ initiative, aligning itself with Kerala’s stance on the issue.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced if needed, the Congress government in the state, will take a similar resolution like Kerala and send out a strong message against this “anti-democratic move”.

He stated that Kerala has already passed a resolution opposing the proposal and conveyed its dissent to the Centre.

“If needed, our government will also consult the Congress high command and adopt a similar resolution,” he emphasized.

Criticising the Union Cabinet’s move, Siddaramaiah described the initiative as a diversionary tactic by the Modi government to mask its “colossal failures.”

He argued that the proposal is less about electoral reforms and more about “consolidating power and undermining the democratic spirit of our nation.”

Expressing his discontent on his ‘X’ account, the Chief Minister called the policy an assault on parliamentary democracy and India’s federal structure.

He further labeled it as a “sinister conspiracy to curb the rights of states,” warning that the proposal would weaken the foundations of democracy rather than addressing the pressing need for genuine electoral reforms.

Siddaramaiah also criticised the BJP-led central government for its lack of consultation with opposition parties and state governments on such a critical matter.

“Before approving such a critical bill, the Modi government should have consulted opposition parties and state governments. However, true to its authoritarian tendencies, the BJP-led central government is trying to impose this undemocratic proposal on the country,” he alleged.

He also highlighted the practical challenges posed by the initiative, saying that this proposal provides no solutions to crises when the ruling party loses its majority in the Lok Sabha or Assemblies.

"In such situations, the only democratic remedy is to conduct fresh elections. Allowing a minority government to continue in power despite losing confidence would be nothing short of treachery against democracy,” Siddaramaiah said.

Additionally, the Chief Minister pointed out the significant constitutional hurdles for implementing this system, including amendments to the Representation of the People Act and at least five key constitutional provisions.

He also questioned the capacity of the current Election Commission to manage simultaneous elections across the country, citing resource constraints.

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