New Delhi, Jan 9: The CPI(M) has strongly objected to the recommendation on the concept of One Nation, One Election, mentioning that the High Level Committee’s agenda and purpose is pre-decided and pre-destined.
In a letter to the Secretary, High Level Committee – One Nation, One Election, the General Secretary CPI(M) Shri Sitaram Yechury stated:
“At the outset we would like to register our strong objection to the manner in which the concept of “One Nation, One Election” is being sought to be imposed.
“The terms of reference of the High Level Committee (HLC) make it amply clear that a decision on simultaneous elections has already been taken and it is only a question of its implementation. Your letter of October 18 also makes it clear that the HLC has to merely “make recommendations for building a suitable legal and administrative framework for organization of simultaneous elections……”
“The terms of reference of the HLC as contained in the Resolution No. F.No. H-11019/03/2023-Leg.II of 2nd September, 2023 of the Ministry of Law and Justice is categorical that the HLC has been constituted to “examine the issue of simultaneous elections and make recommendations for holding simultaneous elections in the country”.
“The CPI (M) records its strong protest at the constitution of the HLC, whose agenda and purpose is pre-decided and pre-destined.
“Ever since the proposal for simultaneous elections to the Lok Sabha and state assemblies was mooted, the CPI (M) has voiced its opposition and concern.
“On July 4, 2018, the CPI(M) had submitted a note to the Law Commission of India in response to their seeking opinion of political parties on the same matter. We continue to stand by the positions taken in this note, which reflects the considered opinion of the Party. The note is annexed herewith for ready reference.
“In our opinion, the consideration of the proposal for simultaneous elections runs against both the letter and spirit of our Constitution.
“The Indian Constitution defines the centrality of the will of the people. The preamble defines this most eloquently by stating, “We, the People of India” and “Do hereby Adopt, Enact and Give to ourselves this Constitution”. People exercise their sovereignty through their elected representatives who are accountable to the people and the Executive, or, Government that assumes office as a consequence of elections is, in turn, accountable to the legislature. These aspects of our Constitution, we believe, cannot be tweaked, leave alone being undermined.
“Further, we believe that such a proposal is inherently anti-democratic and negates the principles of federalism which is a fundamental feature of our Constitution”, added Yechury. A note on the objection raised was also submitted to the Law Commission of India.