In a media interaction, National Conference Vice President Omar Abdullah expressed support for the idea of "One Nation, One Election" in Jammu and Kashmir. He also mentioned former President Ram Nath Kovind's recommendations in favor of the concept and urged the Election Commission to announce simultaneous Lok Sabha and Assembly elections. He further clarified that he is not a part of the People's Alliance for Gupkar Declaration and that the decision to announce candidates for the Lok Sabha elections rests with the National Conference. Additionally, he wished for peace and prosperity during the ongoing holy month of Ramadan.
Introduction
The concept of "One Nation, One Election" (ONE) has been a subject of debate and discussion in India for several years. It proposes the simultaneous conduct of Lok Sabha and state assembly elections, replacing the current staggered electoral system.
Background
The idea of ONE emerged in 2016 when the Law Commission of India, headed by Justice B.S. Chauhan, released a report advocating for its adoption. The report argued that ONE would reduce election expenses, minimize administrative challenges, enhance voter turnout, and promote political stability.
Support and Opposition
The ONE proposal has received mixed reactions. Proponents argue that it would simplify the electoral process, reduce election-related violence, and free up resources for developmental activities. Opponents, on the other hand, contend that it would erode the federal structure of India, weaken state legislatures, and limit the autonomy of regional parties.
Recent Developments
In February 2023, the Supreme Court of India refused to grant relief to a petition challenging the constitutionality of ONE. The court upheld the government's right to implement the proposal if it deems it to be in the best interests of the nation.
Omar Abdullah's Support
Omar Abdullah, Vice President of the National Conference, recently expressed support for the ONE concept in Jammu and Kashmir. He cited former President Ram Nath Kovind's endorsement of the idea and urged the Election Commission to announce simultaneous Lok Sabha and Assembly elections.
Top 5 FAQs Related to ONE
1. What are the benefits of One Nation, One Election?
2. What are the drawbacks of One Nation, One Election?
3. Has the proposal been implemented yet? No, the proposal has not been implemented as of now.
4. What is the current status of the ONE proposal? The Supreme Court has upheld the government's right to implement the proposal.
5. Who are the proponents and opponents of One Nation, One Election? Proponents: Government, Law Commission of India, some political parties Opponents: Opposition parties, federalists, regional party leaders
In a fiery social media post, Nishikant Dubey, a BJP MP, criticized Rahul Gandhi's celebration of Gen Z as defenders of democracy and the Constitution. Dubey pointed out that this generation is against family politics, corruption, and ideological ambiguity, and asked why they would tolerate Gandhi after his family's rule. The MP also added that they want to make Bangladesh an Islamic nation and Nepal a Hindu nation, implying that they may also want to make India a Hindu nation.
In a press conference, Rahul Gandhi alleged mass voter deletions in Karnataka's Aland constituency through fake logins and phone numbers from other states. However, the Election Commission of India rejected these claims as baseless and stated that no deletion of votes can be done by the public, and that the allegations were a mere misconception. This latest political controversy is expected to intensify ahead of the upcoming Bihar elections, with the BJP accusing Congress of obfuscating the electoral atmosphere.
BR Patil, Congress MLA from Karnataka's Aland, has claimed that there was an attempt by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to steal votes leading up to the 2023 elections in the state. This allegation, backed by evidence of over 6,000 voter deletions, has been supported by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi who has accused the BJP of systematically deleting the names of Congress voters. The BJP has denied these allegations, calling it a ploy by the Congress to discredit them and gain political mileage. However, Gandhi has hinted at more significant revelations to come.
Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel, H.D. Kumaraswamy, slammed the Karnataka government for the deteriorating state of Bengaluru's infrastructure, which has resulted in an IT company moving out of the city. He criticized Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar for their negligence and corruption. Kumaraswamy appealed to the industries not to leave Bengaluru and promised to rebuild the city. He also called out the government for their failure in utilizing taxpayers' money for development and demanded answers for the same.
In a press conference, Congress leader and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi unveiled evidence showing a widespread conspiracy to delete voters from electoral rolls in India. He presented examples and detailed data indicating that the alleged operations were carried out through automated systems and coordinated at a centralized level. Gandhi claimed that these tactics were used to manipulate elections in several states, and also accused the Election Commission of facilitating this voter deletion.
During a press conference, Rahul Gandhi accused Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar of aiding the suppression of votes belonging to marginalized communities like Dalits and minorities. The Election Commission denied the allegations, stating that no vote can be deleted online without proper procedures and investigation. However, the poll body did acknowledge failed attempts to delete votes in Karnataka's Aland constituency in 2023 and an FIR has been filed to investigate. The Congress leader claimed that the Election Commission is purposely obstructing investigations to hide the truth about these deletions.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi once again stirred up controversy by accusing the BJP and Election Commission of systematic voter fraud through manipulation of electoral rolls. In response, BJP MP Anurag Thakur fired back, accusing Gandhi of spreading baseless allegations and undermining democracy. The Election Commission has dismissed all of Gandhi's claims, citing that no voter's name can be deleted through online means without proper procedure.
Congress Leader Rahul Gandhi is set to address a press conference on Thursday, where he is expected to present evidence of alleged vote theft in Indian elections. Gandhi has been vocal about the issue in previous speeches, accusing the government of using unfair means to form their power. He also claimed that the Election Commission is working in collaboration with the ruling party. The Congress promised to provide proof to back their claims and expose corruption in the Mahadevapura Assembly segment in Karnataka.
The centre has directed the removal of 138 YouTube videos and 83 Instagram posts related to Adani, citing a Delhi court order. The move comes amid ongoing disputes over the Adani Group's involvement in various projects. This action has been met with criticism, with some questioning the government's interference in online content.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi revealed that the party has uncovered over 6,000 voter deletions in Aland constituency, Karnataka, ahead of the 2023 Assembly elections. According to their investigation, these deletions were not random or accidental but specifically targeted booths where the party was performing strongly. The deletions were carried out through fake applications and mobile numbers from outside Karnataka, raising concerns of an organized effort to manipulate the election process. Congress is calling for a thorough investigation to uphold the integrity of the democratic process.