Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut has voiced strong opposition to the ‘One Nation, One Election’ Bill, claiming it could lead to the concentration of power under a single political party and leader.
‘A Step Towards Centralized Control’: Raut
Speaking to ANI ahead of the first Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) meeting on the proposed legislation, Raut said, “One Nation, One Election Bill will head towards One Party One Election and One Leader One Election. So, all of us – including the INDIA Alliance, have opposed the Bill.”
He emphasized that the bill could undermine democratic pluralism by fostering an environment of centralized political control.
INDIA Alliance Unites Against the Bill
Raut confirmed the participation of opposition members, including those from the INDIA Alliance, in the JPC meeting scheduled for today. He stated, “The Bill has been sent to JPC. Its first meeting is being held today and all of our people will attend that meeting.” The INDIA Alliance has expressed unified disapproval of the bill, citing potential threats to the federal structure and democratic principles.
BJP’s Push for Consensus
On the other hand, BJP MP and JPC Chairman PP Chaudhary remains optimistic about building consensus among parliamentarians. Chaudhary assured that the committee would conduct a fair and thorough examination of the bill. He remarked, “The JPC will hear from every stakeholder and scrutinize the bill in an unbiased manner.”