Gaurav Gogoi labels 'One Nation, One Election' bill as attack on India's federal structure

Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi strongly opposed the 'One Nation, One Election' Bill, calling it an attack on India's federal structure.

Speaking on the government's rationale, Gogoi highlighted that the cost of conducting elections does not justify altering the core democratic framework of the country.

"The government is arguing that crores of rupees are being spent in organizing elections, and it is trying to save money. To conduct a Lok Sabha election, Rs 3,700 crores is spent. This figure was given by the Election Commission of India (ECI) during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Rs 3,700 crores is just 0.02% of the annual budget," Gogoi stated.

The Congress MP further criticized the BJP-led government for prioritizing cost-saving over democratic principles. "To save 0.02% expenditure of the annual budget, they want to end the entire federal structure of India and give more power to the ECI. This is the same ECI where there is no role of the Supreme Court in the election of its Commissioner," Gogoi asserted, referring to concerns about the independence of the Election Commission.

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Gogoi also noted that the Bill failed to garner overwhelming support in Parliament, pointing out that the BJP and its allies could only push through the introduction of the Bill by a margin of 65 votes. 

"The entire NDA could not gather a two-thirds majority to pass the Bill," he emphasized, underscoring the lack of consensus on the issue.

The 'One Nation, One Election' Bill aims to synchronize elections for the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies, a move the government claims will reduce costs and streamline the electoral process. However, opposition parties have raised concerns about its impact on federalism, regional autonomy, and the democratic process.

The debate around the Bill is expected to intensify in the coming weeks as opposition parties, including the Congress, continue to question its constitutionality and broader implications for India's democracy.