Dignitaries during a discussion on the ‘One Nation, One Choice’ initiative organized by the Joint Parliamentary Study Committee in Bengaluru on Saturday. | Photo credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
Deputy Chief Minister and Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) president DK Shivakumar on Saturday strongly opposed the Union government’s One Nation One Choice (ONOE) initiative during a dialogue organized by the Joint Parliamentary (JPC) Study Committee in Bengaluru, while BJP state president BY Vijayendra supported its implementation.
Leaders from various political parties met the JPC on the Constitution (129th Amendment) Bill, 2024 and the Union Territories (Amendment) Bill on the issue of concurrent elections. They provided representation and discussed with the JPC chairmanship PP Chaudhary (BJP MP) and Sambit Patra (BJP MP).
Mr Shivakumar argued that the ONOE idea was a “politically motivated scheme of centralization of power that would seriously damage the federal structure by weakening the states” and posed a danger to the democratic system.
He stated that the Karnataka Legislative Assembly had already passed a resolution against ONOE and read that resolution in the meeting saying that it was also an impractical idea. Mr. Shivakumar alleged that this was a “ploy to suppress the voices of regional parties and opposition parties”.
Mr. Vijayendra argued that simultaneous elections would not only ease the burden on the exchequer but also help the bureaucracy to better focus on development work.
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), which also presented its views, argued that the reasons given by the Center for simultaneous elections “are neither relevant nor will the present amendment address them”. The AAP gave nine key reasons for its opposition, arguing: “Election expenditure is estimated to be around 0.25% of the Union Government Budget, which is a legitimate expenditure on an important instrument of democracy. The proposed bill does not mention or address how and how much of this expenditure will or can be saved.”
The AAP said that while the amendment seeks to address some technical aspects of governance, it tends to overlook the spirit of democracy and the intent of our Constitution.
Speaking later at a press meet, Mr. Chaudhary pointed out that ONOE is a constitutional amendment and needs a two-thirds majority. “Therefore, this amendment can only happen if the NDA gets the support of other parties. And I am sure that all parties in the national interest, without egos, will be able to resolve disputes and reach a consensus. Our aim is to present such a report that is acceptable to all.” But he added that maintaining synchronized elections over the years could be a “herculean task”.
He argued that governance is directly and indirectly affected as multiple elections are held at different times in different states. “Since officials are off duty, the welfare schemes will not reach the beneficiaries,” he said.
Published – 16 May 2026 23:24 IST
