Kiren Rijiju Accuses Congress of Hypocrisy Over Opposition to ‘One Nation, One Election’
Union Minister of Parliamentary Affairs Kiren Rijiju has criticized the Congress party for opposing the One Nation, One Election proposal, questioning their inconsistency regarding India’s electoral history under former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru.
Addressing reporters, Rijiju pointed out that India adhered to the One Nation, One Election system for nearly two decades post-independence during Nehru’s tenure. “Does Congress mean to say that Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru’s government for so long was illegal? Back then, we had One Nation, One Election. It was only after Congress misused Article 356 that elections for Parliament and state assemblies were held separately,” he said.
Rijiju further criticized the frequent elections under the current system, arguing that they disrupt governance and developmental activities. “Does Congress want the country to conduct elections month after month for five years? Elections are meant to serve the country and its people, not create unnecessary disruptions,” he remarked.
The minister emphasized that the One Nation, One Election proposal is a matter of national interest rather than party politics. He expressed concerns that Congress would continue to oppose the bill when introduced in Parliament, despite its historical roots in India’s early electoral system.
Rijiju’s comments add to the ongoing debate over electoral reforms, highlighting the BJP’s push for synchronized elections and Congress’s resistance to the proposal.
