A delegation of the Uttar Pradesh Congress Committee (UPCC) attended a meeting of the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) on the ‘One Nation, One Election’ proposal in Lucknow on Tuesday.
The delegation was led by Uttar Pradesh Congress Committee president Ajay Rai. The Congress party presented its stand before the committee and submitted a 51-page written memorandum.
According to a statement issued after the meeting, the Congress party stated that the ‘One Nation, One Election’ proposal is inconsistent with the fundamental spirit of the Constitution, the democratic system, and the federal structure of the country.
The party contended that the proposal could lead to excessive centralisation of power and promote a presidential-style system of governance.
The Congress also stated that reducing election costs or ensuring administrative convenience cannot be the basis for a comprehensive amendment to the Constitution.
Given India’s geographical, social, and linguistic diversity, holding simultaneous elections across the country could pose several practical and constitutional challenges.
State Congress president Ajay Rai said that his party is committed to protecting the Constitution, democracy, and the federal structure, and will oppose any attempt to undermine them.
The delegation also included former MP P.L. Punia, former ministers Mueed Ahmed and Sanjay Sharma, and advocate Anas Khan.