BJP vs Opposition On 'One Nation, One Poll' Ahead Of Parliament Storm

While the BJP says simultaneous polls would streamline governance and reduce poll expenses, Opposition argues it would destroy the federal structure

Ahead of the introduction of the controversial 'One Nation One Poll' in Parliament, leaders of the ruling BJP and the Opposition have put forward arguments for and against simultaneous polls for the states and the Centre. The introduction of the legislation, expected during the ongoing session, is likely to see stormy exchanges in Parliament, with both the BJP and the Opposition sticking to their guns.

While the ruling BJP says simultaneous polls would streamline governance and reduce election expenses, Opposition parties argue that it would destroy the federal structure and endanger democracy.

According to reports, the cabinet has approved two Bills for introduction in Parliament and one of them relates to simultaneous polls. The cabinet's approval, it is learnt, is restricted to holding simultaneous polls for Lok Sabha and state assemblies. Simultaneous elections for municipalities and panchayats have been excluded "for now", according to reports.