Mamata Banerjee opposes the concept 'One Nation, One Election', says 'Step towards Presidentialism'

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee wrote to Niten Chandra, the secretary of the panel on 'One Nation, One Election' and said she cannot agree with the concept of simultaneous polls. "We disagree with your formulation and proposal," wrote the Trinamool Congress supremo, adding that simultaneous polls would be a "step towards Presidentialism".

In her letter, Banerjee said she has basic conceptual difficulties in agreeing with the committee and questioned the meaning of 'One Nation' in this context.

"While the phrase (One Nation, One Election) looks dramatic and sensational, I encounter the following two particular problems in understanding the meaning of the phrase: What is 'One Nation' in this context?

While I understand the meaning of one nation in a historical-political-cultural sense, I do not understand the exact constitutional and structural implication of the term in the instant case. Does the Indian Constitution follow the concept of 'One Nation, One Government'? I am afraid, it does not," said the Chief Minister.

She added that the Indian nation has been given a Union government and several state governments. "If the framers of the Indian Constitution did not mention the concept of 'One Nation, One Government', how have you arrived at the concept of 'One Nation, One Election'? Unless this basic enigma is sorted, it is difficult to arrive at any firm view on the catchy phrase," wrote Banerjee.

She also asked about



the committee's plan to synchronise parliamentary and state legislature elections. The TMC chief said that in 1952, the first general elections were simultaneously conducted for the central and state levels and there was such simultaneity for some years.

"But the coevality has since been ruptured," she added.

Mamata Banerjee said forcing states without impending elections into conducting premature polls would violate the trust of voters who elected their Vidhan Sabha representatives for a full five-year term.

"Further, what would happen if the Lok Sabha is subjected to untimely dissolution, while Vidhan Sabhas have unaffected longevity? Instability of a government at the Centre and consequent impact on the Parliament should not destabilise the State legislatures, to be sure! How does your esteemed committee propose to navigate these questions?" she asked the panel secretary.

Citing past instances, the West Bengal Chief Minister said fresh elections are the only option when Lok Sabha dissolves prematurely. She added that in such cases, the cycle of simultaneous elections would be snapped or else all the states would have to go for premature elections despite enjoying majority support.

"Non-simultaneous federal and state elections are a basic feature in the Westminster system which should not be altered. To paraphrase, non-simultaneity is part of the basic structure of the Indian Constitutional arrangements" wrote the Chief Minister.