The Janata Dal (Secular) or JD(S) has expressed its desire to introduce modifications to certain clauses within the One Nation-One Election proposal. The party has put forward suggestions for appropriate amendments to the provisions that authorize the Election Commission of India (ECI) to advise the President regarding the postponement of state assembly elections.
According to party sources, the JD(S) believes that the current framework could potentially undermine the federal structure by giving the ECI excessive power to delay state polls. The party has proposed that any decision to defer elections should involve consultation with state governments and political parties to ensure a balanced approach.
The One Nation-One Election initiative aims to synchronize Lok Sabha and state assembly elections across the country to reduce costs and administrative burden. However, several regional parties have raised concerns about its implementation, particularly regarding the ECI's role in recommending election deferments.
JD(S) leader and former Prime Minister HD Devegowda has been vocal about protecting states' rights. The party's stance reflects a broader apprehension among regional outfits that the proposal could centralize electoral processes and diminish state autonomy.
The JD(S) has submitted its recommendations to the parliamentary committee examining the bills related to simultaneous elections. The party hopes that its suggestions will be considered to make the proposal more acceptable to all stakeholders.
