Senior CPI(M) leader M.Y. Tarigami on Saturday strongly criticized the central government’s push for the “one nation, one election” proposal, describing it as a move against the foundational principles of India’s federal structure and diversity.
Speaking to reporters in Jammu, Tarigami said, “In our opinion, the ‘one nation, one election’ concept is against the spirit of the idea of India and its federal structure, which gives protection to the country’s immense diversities.” He emphasized that India’s strength lies in its diverse cultures, identities, and faiths, which have historically unified the nation against external and internal challenges.
“These diversities are the real face and real strength of India that helped thwart all attempts in the past to disintegrate the country. The foundation of the country is strong and its structures rely on these diversities to prosper,” he added, urging the government to focus on measures that strengthen this unity rather than endanger it.
Highlighting the drawbacks of simultaneous elections, Tarigami said, “The issues resonating during Lok Sabha and state elections are completely different. Municipality or panchayat elections cannot address state or national issues. So what is the relevance of clubbing all these together?”
He warned that the move could weaken India’s federal and democratic setup, potentially paving the way for authoritarian tendencies. “We appeal to people to look at the negative impact of this move on the unity of the nation. It will cause cracks in the federal and democratic system and strengthen dictatorship,” he said.
The CPI(M) leader also pointed to the centralization of revenue under the Goods and Services Tax (GST) regime, calling it an example of the risks associated with such policies. “The consequence of ‘one nation, one tax’ is in front of everyone. All the tax is getting deposited with the Centre. The share is released to those states that bow down before the Centre… They are not punishing a particular party but the people in general,” he remarked.
Tarigami further expressed concern over other homogenizing slogans like “one nation, one language,” questioning the need to undermine India’s linguistic diversity. “What is wrong with having different languages as we have been living together for decades? This tyrannical attitude will not yield good outcomes for the country,” he warned.
The CPI(M) leader also addressed the prolonged delay in restoring Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood, which was revoked in August 2019 following the abrogation of Article 370. He criticized the central government for maintaining a dual-power system in the region, despite the formation of a National Conference-led coalition government in October.
“People have given their mandate, so what do you want to achieve with this dual-power strategy? Is it going to strengthen democracy? The verdict of the people should be respected so that their faith in democracy remains intact,” Tarigami said.
He cautioned that eroding public trust in democracy could lead to extremism, which would be detrimental to both Jammu and Kashmir and the country as a whole.