Sitaram Yechury Slams 'One Nation, One Election' Proposal As Anti-Democratic, Protests High-Level Committee's Agenda

In a letter addressed to the High-Level Committee on One Nation, One Election (ONOE), CPI(M) General Secretary Sitaram Yechury has criticised the proposal as "inherently anti-democratic" and contrary to the fundamental principles of federalism enshrined in the Constitution.

Yechury expressed his party's strong protest against the committee's constitution, citing predetermined terms of reference.

The letter conveyed the CPI(M)'s longstanding opposition to the concept of simultaneous elections and raised concerns about the committee's predetermined agenda.

As per reports by Deccan Herald, Yechury registered a "strong objection" to the imposition of the 'ONOE' concept, emphasising that the consideration of such a proposal goes against the essence of the constitution, which emphasises the centrality of the people's will.

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He stated that any proposal undermining these constitutional principles is unacceptable.

Earlier, the party's note in 2018 had firmly asserted that any attempt to prolong the tenure of the Lok Sabha or state legislatures would be unconstitutional and anti-democratic.

Yechury concluded by highlighting that the terms of reference of the committee indicate that a decision on simultaneous polls has already been taken, raising concerns about the implementation of the proposal.

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