'One nation, no election': Congress slams govt after Kovind-led panel submits report on simultaneous polls

The Congress party on Thursday slammed government following the recommendation of a high-level committee advocating simultaneous elections for Lok Sabha and state assemblies.

The party alleged that the government wants to completely dismantle the Constitution with the objective of 'one nation, no election'.

Led by former president Ram Nath Kovind, the committee submitted a comprehensive report exceeding 18,000 pages to President Droupadi Murmu, proposing simultaneous elections for Lok Sabha and state assemblies as the initial step, followed by synchronized local body polls within 100 days.


Also Read: One Nation, One Election: Kovind panel submits report to President Murmu, check details here

Jairam Ramesh, Congress general secretary, voiced concerns over the Prime Minister's purported agenda to secure a clear majority and dismantle Babasaheb Ambedkar's Constitution. He expressed apprehensions about the government's motives, emphasizing the need to safeguard democratic values.

Asked about the development, he told PTI in Nashik, "The Prime Minister's objective is very clear, he is going around asking for a clear majority, two-thirds majority, 400 seats, and the cat is out of the bag. They want to completely dismantle Babasaheb Ambedkar's Constitution and with what objective -- 'one nation, no election' that is what they want."

In its report, the panel said simultaneous polls will spur development process and social cohesion, deepen foundations of democratic rubric and help realise aspirations of "India, that is Bharat".

The panel recommended preparation of a common electoral roll and voter ID cards by the Election Commission of India in consultation with state election authorities.

BJP spokesperson Nalin Kohli said this is not a political issue and is aimed at saving money and other resources.

(With inputs from PTI)