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THREAD: I represented @aimim_national at the all party meeting held today On #OneNationOneElection, I reiterated our stand that simultaneous elections are inconsistent with parliamentary democracy & federalism. Therefore, they violate the basic structure of our Constitution
1. The underlying premise of "one nation, one election" is that one country, several elections is somehow harmful to India's unity & integrity. This isn't the case: Article 1 of Constitution calls India a "UNION OF STATES", recognising its diversity & pluralism
2. SC's SR Bommai judgment held that federalism is basic structure of the Constitution & it cannot be abridged. Also held that states are not "mere appendages of centre", they are in fact "constituent political units" with their EXCLUSIVE Executive & Legislature
3. Therefore, each state's distinct linguistic & regional identity is honoured through the VII Schedule of the Constitution. To make government formation of one state contingent on the election schedule of another state makes a mockery of both principles of democracy & federalism
4. Tenured legislature & collective responsibility are essential to parliamentary democracy. Each legislature has a 5 year term that can't be extended. If there is no govt that enjoys the confidence of the House, then the Constitution provides a simple solution: fresh elections
5. The constitutional framework cannot be sacrificed on the altar of "Efficiency" "Stability", "Cost to the Exchequer", etc. They are not sufficient grounds to violate rights of the states or of the electorate (who have a right to elect their legislature without delay)
6. Another made up "problem" that #OneNationOneElection seeks to "solve" is the Model Code of Conduct. MCC does not prohibit anything that's developmental or routine in nature. So, no developmental work has to stop at the Centre just because a few States are witnessing elections
7. This interference with the VII Schedule of the Constitution & violation of principle of periodic (& scheduled elections) would be ultra vires the Constitution.
8. On the political side of things, #OneNationOneElection will mean the destruction of regional parties. Regional parties occupy an important space in our multiparty system & they represent the distinct cultures & languages of many Indian states.
9. Suggestions were also sought on how to improve parliamentary productivity. According to us, the Executive must respect parliamentary supremacy & defers to its oversight. This is essential for a more productive & representative parliament.
You can read our detailed submission to the Law Commission of India earlier last year.
