Modi’s Biggest Masterstroke Since Demonetization? | One Nation One Election Decoded | Akash Banerjee

The Deshbhakt
24 Sept 202425:02

Summary

TLDRThe script discusses India's proposed 'One Nation One Election' policy, questioning its potential impact on democracy and efficiency. It explores concerns about increased voter fatigue, the possibility of suppressing state issues under national ones, and the logistical challenges of conducting simultaneous elections. The script also debates the necessity for constitutional amendments and the likelihood of opposition, suggesting that the policy may face significant hurdles in implementation.

Takeaways

  • 🗳️ The concept of 'One Nation One Election' is proposed to hold all state and central government elections simultaneously every five years.
  • 🏛️ The Kovind Committee, chaired by former President Ram Nath Kovind, was formed to detail the implementation of 'One Nation One Election'.
  • 📜 The proposal involves constitutional amendments and requires a two-thirds majority in both houses of the Indian Parliament to pass.
  • 💡 The idea is to allow the government to focus on governance rather than constant campaigning, and to reduce the frequency of elections.
  • 🚫 Critics argue that the plan could undermine federalism and the diversity of state-specific issues, potentially leading to a centralized focus on national issues only.
  • 📉 There are concerns that the proposal might not reduce election expenses significantly and could even increase logistical challenges.
  • 🔄 The plan suggests that if a government's term ends before the full five years, elections would be held for an 'unexpired term' until the next synchronized election.
  • 🤔 The feasibility of conducting all elections within a short period is questioned, given the vastness and diversity of India.
  • 🏢 The proposal has been met with skepticism, with some viewing it as a distraction from more pressing issues like unemployment and inflation.
  • 📊 The success of the 'One Nation One Election' plan hinges on the willingness of various political parties and states to support the constitutional amendments needed.

Q & A

  • What is the main issue discussed in the transcript?

    -The main issue discussed in the transcript is the concept of 'One Nation One Election' in India, which proposes holding all state and central government elections simultaneously every five years.

  • What is the purpose of 'One Nation One Election' as proposed by the BJP?

    -The purpose of 'One Nation One Election' is to allow the government to focus on development and governance without frequent disruptions from election campaigns, and to reduce the financial and logistical costs associated with conducting multiple elections.

  • What does the Kovind Committee recommend to prevent elections from getting out of sync?

    -The Kovind Committee recommends two bills with 15 constitutional amendments to establish a two-phase system where Lok Sabha and all state governments are elected together every five years, and local body elections are conducted within 100 days of these elections.

  • What is the concept of 'full term' and 'unexpired term' as suggested by the Kovind Committee?

    -The concept of 'full term' refers to the complete 5-year duration of the government, while 'unexpired term' refers to the remaining period if a government dissolves before completing its full term, necessitating fresh elections.

  • What are the potential issues with implementing 'One Nation One Election'?

    -Potential issues include voter fatigue, the possibility of more frequent elections due to unexpired terms, the suppression of state issues under national issues, and the logistical challenges of conducting simultaneous elections across such a large and diverse country.

  • How does the transcript suggest that the 'One Nation One Election' could impact democracy?

    -The transcript suggests that 'One Nation One Election' could lead to a centralization of power, undermine the federal structure of the Indian democracy, and potentially diminish the importance of state-specific issues in elections.

  • What are the logistical challenges mentioned in the transcript regarding the implementation of 'One Nation One Election'?

    -The logistical challenges include the need for a large number of EVMs and VVPAT machines, the potential for voter fatigue due to frequent elections, and the difficulty of conducting local body elections within 100 days of general and state elections.

  • What is the transcript's stance on the economic argument for 'One Nation One Election'?

    -The transcript questions the economic argument, stating that there is no proof that 'One Nation One Election' will reduce costs, and suggests that the financial and logistical impact could be significant.

  • What are the political implications of 'One Nation One Election' as discussed in the transcript?

    -The political implications include the potential for increased centralization of power, a shift in focus from state issues to national issues, and the possibility that regional parties and state leaders may not support the proposal.

  • How does the transcript compare 'One Nation One Election' to demonetization?

    -The transcript compares 'One Nation One Election' to demonetization by suggesting that both are disruptive policies that could have unintended negative consequences, and that the implementation of 'One Nation One Election' might be as challenging as the implementation of demonetization was.

  • What are the constitutional requirements for implementing 'One Nation One Election'?

    -The constitutional requirements for implementing 'One Nation One Election' include a two-thirds majority in both houses of the Indian Parliament for the proposed constitutional amendments, as well as ratification by a majority of state legislatures.

Outlines

00:00

🗳️ One Nation One Election: The Concept and Concerns

The script discusses the concept of 'One Nation One Election' proposed by the BJP, aiming to synchronize national and state elections in India. It raises concerns about the potential impact on democracy, questioning if it would lead the country towards progress or cause disruptions similar to demonetization. The script also mentions the formation of the Kovind Committee to study the idea and the government's intention to implement it by 2024, despite the lack of inclusion of regional parties or opposition leaders in the committee. The summary points out the government's focus on voter power and the potential legal and logistical challenges of implementing such a system.

05:06

📊 Synchronization of Elections: The Plan and its Implications

This paragraph delves into the proposed plan for synchronized elections every five years, including the Kovind Committee's suggestion for constitutional amendments. It explains the two-phase system where Lok Sabha and state governments would be elected together, followed by local body elections within 100 days. The summary highlights the potential for voter fatigue, the logistical challenges of conducting elections, and the possibility of governments being formed for unexpired terms, which could lead to instability and legal disputes.

10:07

💼 Economic and Democratic Arguments Against One Nation One Election

The script challenges the economic rationale behind the One Nation One Election, arguing that there is no proof it would reduce costs and that it could actually increase logistical demands and expenses. It also discusses the democratic implications, suggesting that the system could suppress state issues under national ones and lead to a presidential-style campaign that undermines the federal structure of India. The summary emphasizes the potential for voter fatigue and the undemocratic nature of dissolving stable governments to fit an election calendar.

15:08

📉 The Political and Logistical Challenges of Implementing One Nation One Election

This paragraph explores the political challenges faced in implementing the One Nation One Election, including the need for a two-thirds majority in both houses of parliament and state ratification. It discusses the BJP's struggle to gain the necessary support and the potential for the proposal to be challenged in court. The summary also addresses the logistical challenges of conducting such a large-scale synchronized election and the risk of the proposal being seen as a distraction from more pressing issues.

20:14

🏛️ Constitutional and Democratic Critiques of One Nation One Election

The script concludes with a critique of the One Nation One Election proposal, arguing that it undermines the federal structure of the Indian constitution and the diversity of the country. It suggests that the proposal is an attempt to centralize power and manipulate the democratic process for political gain. The summary emphasizes the potential for the proposal to be seen as a 'jumla' or empty promise, and the need for the opposition to effectively communicate the risks to the public. It also raises the question of whether the Election Commission could manage such a large-scale synchronized election and the potential for the proposal to lead to a more centralized and less democratic system.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡One Nation One Election

One Nation One Election refers to the concept of holding all government elections in India, including the central and state legislative assemblies, at the same time. This is intended to reduce the frequency of elections and allow governments to focus on governance rather than constant campaigning. In the video, this concept is discussed as a potential solution to voter fatigue and government distraction, but it also raises concerns about the feasibility and the impact on India's federal structure.

💡Demonetization

Demonetization is the process of stripping a currency unit of its status as legal tender. It was a policy implemented by the Indian government in 2016, which aimed to curb black money and corruption but had significant economic repercussions. In the video, demonetization is used as a comparison to the potential impact of One Nation One Election, suggesting that while both are touted as masterstrokes for progress, they might have unintended negative consequences.

💡Model Code of Conduct

The Model Code of Conduct is a set of guidelines issued by the Election Commission of India for political parties and candidates during election periods. It is designed to ensure free and fair elections. The video discusses how the frequent implementation of this code due to regular elections can hinder government decision-making, which is one of the reasons proposed for the One Nation One Election idea.

💡Constitutional Amendments

Constitutional Amendments refer to changes made to the fundamental law of a country. In the context of the video, implementing One Nation One Election would require amending the Indian Constitution, as it would alter the way elections are conducted. This is a significant point of discussion as it highlights the complexity and potential legal challenges of such a proposal.

💡Federalism

Federalism is a system of government where power is divided between a central authority and constituent political units. The video raises concerns that One Nation One Election could undermine India's federal structure by centralizing the election process, thus potentially reducing the focus on state-specific issues and concerns.

💡Voter Fatigue

Voter Fatigue refers to the exhaustion or disillusionment of voters due to frequent elections and the associated campaigning. The video suggests that One Nation One Election could potentially reduce voter fatigue by consolidating elections, but it also points out that the plan could paradoxically increase fatigue if elections are held more frequently to maintain synchronization.

💡Election Commission

The Election Commission of India is an autonomous constitutional body responsible for administering election processes in the country. The video discusses the role of the Election Commission in the potential implementation of One Nation One Election, including the logistical challenges it would face in conducting simultaneous polls across such a diverse and large democracy.

💡Unexpired Term

An unexpired term refers to the period between an early dissolution of a legislative body and the next scheduled election. The video explains that under the proposed One Nation One Election system, if a government falls before completing its full term, elections would be held for the unexpired term, which could lead to frequent elections and instability.

💡Kovind Committee

The Kovind Committee, chaired by the former President of India, Ram Nath Kovind, was formed to study and report on the feasibility of One Nation One Election. The video critiques the committee for its perceived lack of diversity and potential bias towards endorsing the government's proposal without critically examining its implications.

💡Economic Argument

The economic argument in the video pertains to the potential financial benefits and costs of implementing One Nation One Election. While it suggests that the idea might save money by reducing the frequency of elections, it also points out that it could increase expenses due to the need for more resources like EVMs and logistical support.

💡Masterstroke

A masterstroke is a clever or highly effective strategic move. The video uses the term to describe the government's proposal of One Nation One Election, questioning whether it is a well-thought-out strategy for the country's progress or a hasty decision that could have negative repercussions, similar to how demonetization was initially framed.

Highlights

One Nation, One Election is being promoted as a way to save costs, reduce election fatigue, and allow governments to focus on governance rather than frequent campaigning.

The Kovind Committee was formed in September 2023 to study the feasibility of One Nation, One Election, with Ramnath Kovind, former President of India, as its chairman.

A major concern with the One Nation, One Election proposal is that if a government falls before completing its term, a new government will only serve for the 'unexpired term,' which could be as short as one or two years.

Critics argue that One Nation, One Election could lead to voter fatigue, with frequent elections occurring even within the same framework due to 'unexpired terms' after government dissolutions.

The first bill proposes constitutional amendments to align Lok Sabha and state elections every five years, with local body elections held within 100 days of these.

Concerns have been raised about national issues overshadowing state-specific concerns if elections are synchronized, potentially centralizing power in a country with diverse regional needs.

There is skepticism over whether One Nation, One Election will truly reduce election costs, as it may require up to 40 lakh additional EVM machines and increase logistical challenges.

The proposal raises the possibility of dissolving stable state governments to align with a synchronized election cycle, which critics say undermines democracy.

Opposition parties argue that the One Nation, One Election proposal could erode federalism and focus power at the national level, sidelining local and regional issues.

While BJP argues that One Nation, One Election will bring stability and efficiency, opposition leaders warn that it could be a tactic to manage elections based on national security or emotional issues.

The proposal would require a two-thirds majority in both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, as well as state-level ratification, making its passage uncertain without broad support.

The Kovind Committee's recommendation of a two-phase election system aims to synchronize elections across all states and the central government to occur every five years.

The argument that frequent elections disrupt governance due to the Model Code of Conduct is contested, with critics suggesting reforms to election spending limits as a better solution.

The proposal could lead to logistical challenges, with some experts saying that conducting synchronized elections for all levels of government could take many months and several phases.

The potential impact on local body elections is another concern, as local governance may be deprioritized or rushed if these elections are squeezed into a 100-day window after state and national polls.

The central critique is that One Nation, One Election might centralize power and weaken India’s federal structure, which is based on separate state and national elections to address diverse regional issues.

Transcripts

play00:05

What will we get? - It is needed. What is the problem?

play00:09

It will not work - One election one list should be there.

play00:15

Our country has lot of problems - Unemployment, inflation, poor education and health care.

play00:24

We have many holes in the road, in the media, in the government.

play00:28

And these people are trying to push us into the hole of hatred

play00:31

In the name of justice, we will get date after date after date.

play00:34

And if you ask about good days, you will be insulted by being called anti-national.

play00:41

Only once there comes a chance when the rulers give you a visit

play00:49

A few months before elections, new schemes are launched.

play00:55

Suddenly, politicians remember that government jobs are important.

play00:59

what is going to office, what is meeting people.

play01:02

and that petrol and diesel prices can be reduced

play01:07

PM, MP, MLA, Municipal Corporator or sarpanch, they are not scared of media, opposition or court

play01:13

They are afraid of one thing. Your vote and mine.

play01:18

These elections that happen again and again, that is the time when government thinks about us

play01:28

...forgets about its pockets and thinks about the state of our pockets.

play01:36

But, if it works as per Narendra Modi, then your vote and election power will be much less.

play01:43

And that too, within 2024.

play01:45

Because, after the Notebandi masterstroke, BJP wants to bring One Nation One Election.

play01:50

Will it really lead our country on the path of progress, as BJP is saying?

play01:55

Or, will it do the same to democracy as demonetization did to economy?

play02:01

What is the idea of one nation, one election?

play02:07

Is it a good idea? When will it be implemented? What are the legalities?

play02:12

Can it be implemented or not?

play02:15

What will be the impact on common voters like you and me?

play02:18

Is this Masterstroke being discussed because BJP is realizing that winning elections is diminishing.

play02:28

Let's assume, there is no one nation one election, then what other options do we have to conduct elections smoothly?

play02:37

Let's try to find

play02:40

In the Modi 2.0 campaign, on 2nd September, 2023, a high-level committee was formed

play02:47

to make a detailed report on the One Nation One Election.

play02:53

The chairman was his former president, Ramnath Kovind. That's why he's also called the Kovind Committee.

play02:58

On March 2024, this committee submitted its report to the government.

play03:02

Now, we have always read in civics that the President of India is a rubber stamp.

play03:07

Here too, our former president did the same thing.

play03:10

The committee's job was to put a seal on the government's plan.

play03:14

Not to ask what is the logic of One Nation One Election. Just agree and find a way

play03:20

That is why no regional party, no opposition leader, no sitting CM were not included in this committee.

play03:28

This committee was made to bring such a big change in our democracy.

play03:33

On 18th September, 2024, the Union Cabinet accepted the report.

play03:39

It doesn't mean that the one nation one election will be implemented. It's a different process.

play03:44

But the NDA government has publicly announced that it will try to implement the one nation one election.

play03:53

Just like the black money was going to be wiped out in demonetization

play03:57

the people of the country will get a lot of relief from the one nation one election.

play04:02

The logic is that the government will be able to focus on work and not on mutton, mughal, masjid, mangalsutra election speeches

play04:14

Basically, a system of discipline will be brought in our democracy.

play04:20

People say that Modi ji must have thought about it.

play04:23

Let's see how much thought was put in.

play04:25

After independence, when elections were held in the country, 1951 onwards

play04:30

the MLA and MP elections were held simultaneously, i.e. of the state and the central government.

play04:36

But slowly, this sync started to break. Some states' governments could not run for 5 years, some hung assemblies happened,

play04:43

elections were held again, sometimes the government fell in the middle of Lok Sabha.

play04:47

So, because of all this,

play04:51

In 2024, along with Lok Sabha elections there were only 4 states where state elections were held simultaneously

play04:59

Every year, state elections are held. This year.... Haryana, Jammu & Kashmir, Jharkhand, Maharashtra.

play05:05

Next year, elections in Bihar, then Kerala, Assam and Bengal.

play05:10

And at the same time, local body elections are held.

play05:16

The aim of One Nation One Election is that every 5 years, the elections will be held together.

play05:22

Like it used to be in the 1950s, during Nehru's time.

play05:25

The government wants to save money, less campaign, and more focus on development.

play05:35

First obvious question is...

play05:39

if a government will fall in mid-term and elections will be disrupted again, like it was in 1960s and 70s.

play05:47

So, what is the plan of the Kovind committee to prevent the election from getting out of sync again?

play05:54

That is why the committee has suggested two bills, which will include 15 constitutional amendments.

play06:01

Remember, this is a very far-reaching concept.

play06:04

The aim is to establish a two-phase system.

play06:09

Every five years, Lok Sabha and all state governments will be elected together.

play06:14

And within 100 days of the election, local body elections will be conducted.

play06:20

This is the plan. Now, let's understand it in detail. How will it be implemented?

play06:25

First, the most important point is

play06:30

the bill will bring some new articles and amend some of them.

play06:37

according to article 82 a(1) president will appoint a date after general elections

play06:45

this date will be 5 yrs later, and all state assemblies will be dissolved and elections will be held again.

play06:54

For example, if the system is accepted in the parliament and one nation one election is implemented from 2029,

play07:04

suppose the appointed date is 5th May 2029,

play07:08

then all state governments and central governments will be dissolved so that elections will be held together.

play07:14

Even if some election is held a year back, like Karnataka in 2028

play07:21

after one year fresh election will happen

play07:25

So that Karnataka can sync with one nation, one election

play07:30

Only then a state election can be delayed if there is major security special circumstance

play07:37

Otherwise, everyone will have election at the same time.

play07:41

But the most important question here is that you have already made a big decision, made a constitutional amendment,

play07:48

But what is the guarantee that the Sync won't break again? The government won't fall for anyone, there won't be a hung assembly,

play07:55

no government will be broken, people will be taken to Assam.

play07:58

Here, the Kovind committee has played the real masterstroke.

play08:02

Article 83(3) and article 172(3) amendment

play08:07

These are about the length of Lok Sabha and State Assembly which is 5 years.

play08:13

The amendment recommends a concept of full term and unexpired term.

play08:21

Full term means full 5 years. This is not a new thing.

play08:27

But it is interesting when a government falls before completing its full term

play08:33

And if the central government or any state government dissolves before its full term,

play08:40

then the remaining period is called an unexpired term.

play08:45

Suppose all elections are held in 2029

play08:49

The full term will end in 2034 right?

play08:53

But let's assume that the government of Karnataka falls in 2032.

play08:58

The next synchronized election will take place in 2034.

play09:02

So, what will happen in the next 2 years? In the unexpired term?

play09:07

If the government falls before the full term, elections will be held again.

play09:16

But the new government will not run for 5 years. It will be only for unexpired term.

play09:23

In our fictional example, there will be elections in Karnataka in 2032.

play09:27

But the government will dissolve after 2 years.

play09:32

And in 2034, again, under the One Nation One Election, elections will be held again. People will have to come back to vote

play09:38

This means that one nation one election is there to show.

play09:42

There can be many more elections.

play09:47

The voter fatigue can increase even more.

play09:50

These will be the rules of every state and union territory.

play09:53

And this will be the rule for the centre as well. That before completing the term, if a government falls,

play09:58

then it will fight for the un-expired term. It could be a government for 1 or 2 yrs

play10:07

Isn't it bigger masterstroke than demonetization?

play10:10

Earlier, people used to stand outside the ATM line. Now, they will stand in front of the polling booth.

play10:17

So, governments will be formed with such un-expired terms. So that the one nation one election sync remains

play10:28

What impact will there be? But masterstroke is not over...

play10:34

Second bill talks about local body election

play10:37

To hold local body election within 100 days of lok sabha and assembly election

play10:48

But the main issue is first bill

play10:53

The government's point is that by holding elections again and again, there are a lot of losses.

play10:58

A lot of money is spent, security forces, police are deployed.

play11:03

This is why the Model Code of Conduct is being implemented again and again. Due to which the government is not able to take decisions.

play11:10

4-4.5 years is very less to take decisions. When the Model Code of Conduct comes, only then does the government take decisions.

play11:16

And elections are a waste of time in campaigning

play11:21

We don't get time to focus on the governance and stability of the country, which impacts development.

play11:29

It was Nehru's fault earlier, but now we understand that elections are happening again and again in the country, that is the mistake

play11:36

Let's understand the arguments one by one.

play11:42

Economic argument. We have not got any proof that one nation one election will reduce the cost.

play11:49

If all the elections are held at the same time, then you will need 3 times more EVMs and VVPAT machines.

play11:57

S. Y. Quraishi said that 40 lakh extra EVM will be needed

play12:05

This will have a huge financial and logistical impact on our government.

play12:10

On top of that, the frequency of elections will be reduced - There is no guarantee

play12:15

In our country, the government falls frequently. In such a case, elections have to be held again.

play12:20

Then, the government will come for an unexpired term. It will be dissolved again. Again an election

play12:25

EC can strictly monitor candidate spending. Implement model code of conduct. This will reduce the expenditure. No need to change the system.

play12:38

If BJP stops bringing scheme like electoral bond, then electoral expenditure will be reduced

play12:46

If election commission wants then they can put limit on party spending

play12:53

But let's assume that the election expenditure will be reduced by a little by the one nation one election

play13:00

Even then, such a move will not be good for the country.

play13:03

For inclusive democracy, sometimes if the expenses are a little more, then let it be.

play13:10

In such a big country, there are different problems, and demands, so when state elections are held

play13:16

then issues of state are focused on, state residents can voice themselves

play13:25

Maharashtra population is nearly equal to France and UK populations combined

play13:30

then why should we not focus on Maharashtra issues separately?

play13:36

If elections are held simultaneously, then the state will be suppressed under national issues.

play13:46

And I think BJP's plan is to make Modi Modi, National Security, use religion and make parliamentary elections presidential style

play13:55

No need to pay attention to state level issues.

play14:00

What is the logic to dissolve a stable government just to bring it in sync?

play14:06

People voted in the elections 2 years ago, but you said the calendar is here. We are dissolving it. What kind of democracy is this?

play14:16

And this is also because this unexpired term will not be taken seriously. It will also have a legal challenge.

play14:23

And what will you do if the assembly is hung again? How many elections will you have elections?

play14:29

Which politician will take it seriously?

play14:33

The worst is happening with local body elections. They will have to conduct elections within 100 days of general and state elections.

play14:40

There again, the question arises, is this one nation one election or one nation two election?

play14:49

Anyway, local bodies have 30 lakh representatives who are directly involved in local governance.

play14:56

Former CEC SY Quraishi says that it is logistically difficult to conduct these elections after state and lok sabha election properly.

play15:05

And there is going to be voter fatigue on a higher level.

play15:08

First, you said, go to Lok Sabha, then state assembly vote and then do local body polling. This is not sensible.

play15:16

In 2024, it took 7 phases to get Lok Sabha and 4 state elections.

play15:23

It will take 10-15 phases to get Lok Sabha, states and union territories elections.

play15:30

And we don't know how many months it will last.. And if you get all local body elections right after that, too much fakiri

play15:37

Is the natural spread out system right now really a problem? That this move is required?

play15:50

Or the government wants to relieve the pressure of semi referendums on them?

play16:05

BJP says it is a matter of stability

play16:10

If the government cannot take decisions because of the model code of conduct, then change it.

play16:18

Deliver your promises. You have not been able to give 2 crores jobs. Now you are blaming elections

play16:27

If politicians want to campaign for half a year, then it is a party high command's problem. You are trying to get Modi and Amit Shah in the municipal elections

play16:37

It was not like this during Nehru and Vajpayee's time that the Prime Minister is coming in the MLA and local body elections.

play16:43

So, it is possible that there is no problem in the elections but in your election campaigning system

play16:49

I would say that people on high level posts should get only few days permission to campaign.

play16:58

centralizing tendency of BJP to fight every election in the name of Modi is a problem

play17:05

Maybe BJP is also realizing that this system is not working well.

play17:10

Be it in Haryana, Maharashtra or Jharkhand, the issues are getting localized

play17:15

Regional parties are trying to come forward. Modi magic is getting less. Demodization has started in the country.

play17:23

We had made an episode on this

play17:26

Maybe that's why they want to unite the elections in the name of stability and efficient government.

play17:32

So that national issues are talked about

play17:35

In this system, it is easy to win elections by handling emotional issues and headline management.

play17:44

One big riot, one big explosion, then elections are in your hands. And then you can enjoy for 5 years.

play17:51

And understand the words stability and efficiency

play17:55

The government will be efficient for you when, if it is through election, they have to focus on issues.

play18:02

What is the benefit of stability if a politician does not answer the questions of the citizens for 5 years?

play18:08

A sticker of beautiful words is being pasted on bad decisions.

play18:13

Remember, what was discussed during demonetization?

play18:16

development at a fast pace. But what was the effect?

play18:20

It affected the poor of the country, shopkeepers, businessmen.

play18:23

The One Nation One Election will also affect the poorest

play18:29

Those who get some benefit when there are elections, they are heard.

play18:35

500 and 1000 notes were expired in demonetization

play18:39

Here, the attempt is being made to expire small governments and small state elections.

play18:46

There is no doubt that the One Nation One Election will demonetize our democracy

play18:53

But there is a difference between demonetization and One Nation One Election.

play18:56

Demonetization was done by the complete majority government. One Nation One Election might just be a phrase.

play19:02

Because the Modi government cannot implement it at will.

play19:05

The recommendations given by the Kovind Committee require constitutional amendments.

play19:11

This is not going to happen with a simple majority. You need a two-thirds majority in Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha.

play19:17

BJP needs 362 votes for 2/3 majority

play19:23

BJP and all allies together, make 293 votes.

play19:28

Rajya Sabha has a two-thirds majority mark 164, and NDA current strength is 121.

play19:35

BJP had to cross 400 to pass the constitutional amendments. But it didn't.

play19:44

And now there is no 2/3 majority

play19:48

Second recommendation of Kovind committee requires 2/3rd majority in states also

play19:57

Municipal and panchayat elections are in state list

play20:02

States have the power to make laws on topics.

play20:06

NDA has the power to state ratification. If the situation in Haryana and Maharashtra, seems not good

play20:14

then ratification of the state will be difficult.

play20:17

That is why Modi wants to bring it to the parliament as soon as possible.

play20:22

In this winter session, so that at least more states do not get out of the elections.

play20:28

Ashwini Vaishnaw says that opposition parties will slowly agree to this amendment.

play20:34

Now, people have been appointed to convince the opposition, to talk to the leaders.

play20:39

But leave the opposition, perhaps BJP's own state-level leaders will also not agree to the One Nation One election.

play20:46

Will Yogi Adityanath agree to it that only Modi's face will remain in the UP election and not his?

play20:52

Yogi Adityanath's performance was good in 2022 but in 2024, BJP's boat sank in UP due to Modi magic.

play21:01

It's BJP inside battle, let's leave that aside

play21:06

Opposition parties rejected the proposal, some believe it is against structure of constitution and undermines federalism.

play21:19

So, it can be challenged in the court

play21:22

In this case, this step of BJP may be just Jumla, but it is being shown to people that Modi can still take masterstroke steps

play21:32

but in the end, it will be put in a cold case.

play21:35

Godi media is arguing on this for no reason but nothing may happen

play21:39

If it is about electoral reform, then debate on issues like right to recall, tighter control on expenditure, delimitation etc.

play21:50

Congress President says that the purpose is only distraction

play21:54

Keep people trapped in big schemes so that they don't have to answer real issues.

play21:59

But in 2024, after surprise performance in the last election, there is overconfidence in Congress

play22:04

This is a direct challenge to Congress.

play22:06

The question is, will Congress be able to convey to the public the truth of Modi's new masterstroke?

play22:12

And it is possible that Congress will not provide a solution.

play22:16

Election Commission has a right to hold 6-month election at the same time.

play22:22

So, they have a scope to club all the elections.

play22:25

What if you expand this scope to 12 months?

play22:29

Meaning, one year, one election. All the states will have elections once a year.

play22:35

And when Lok Sabha will have elections, then the elections of those states will be held in that year.

play22:39

People happy, politicians happy, and the solution is quite simple.

play22:44

But it will still be difficult to take away power

play22:49

So, maybe that's why it's not that opportunistic for some parties

play22:53

If BJP had to run the elections efficiently, why couldn't they run the elections of Jharkhand, Maharashtra and Jammu and Kashmir together?

play23:01

It is heard that BJP will have to campaign in other states. That is why the elections were split.

play23:08

If you can't run elections of four states at one time, why are you dreaming of running elections of a big country like India once?

play23:16

Will the Election Commission be able to do this? Let's assume that the bill is passed,

play23:21

constitutional amendment is done, 2-3rd majority is obtained

play23:24

If we talk about 2019, Jharkhand assembly election was done in 5 phases

play23:29

2021 West Bengal assembly elections were done in 8 phases.

play23:33

Lok Sabha elections were done in 7 phases

play23:37

It took 11 days to get voter turnout data and you are saying that this election commission will conduct simultaneous polls.

play23:44

Now, the cheerleaders of the One Nation One Election forget that our country and democracy are very diverse and big.

play23:50

The foundation of our democracy is based on the parliamentary and federal system.

play23:56

Neither presidential nor unitary.

play23:59

trying to play with the basic structure of our democracy again and again.

play24:03

People's voice is different for the state and for the center.

play24:07

It is not wise to force the people's voices in a calendar for cost cutting and convenience.

play24:15

It is treason with our constitution.

play24:18

In simple words, whenever the people of the country lose their trust in the government, then there will be elections.

play24:26

This is the right that our constitution gives us.

play24:29

Now, the people of India, the constitutional right that they have, the attempt to put it in a calendar,

play24:36

it is necessary to resist it. Otherwise, if it is not resisted,

play24:40

it can destroy the entire system. Just like demonetization destroyed our economy.

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Election ReformDemocracyIndia PoliticsNarendra ModiPolitical AnalysisConstitutional AmendmentVoter FatigueFederalismElection SchedulingDemocratization
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