Congress questions intent behind 'one nation, one election' panel as party leaders reject participation

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The Congress party on Sunday raised concerns about the establishment of a high-level committee to examine the concept of 'One Nation, One Election,' alleging that the timing and intentions behind its formation are questionable. These concerns have led to prominent Congress leaders refusing to be a part of the committee.

The party has voiced skepticism regarding the recent formation of a high-level committee tasked with assessing the feasibility of 'One Nation, One Election.' Critics within the party argue that the timing of this initiative and the nature of its terms of reference suggest predetermined outcomes.

Congress General Secretary, Jairam Ramesh, criticized the committee, asserting that its terms of reference appeared to have already decided the recommendations it would make. He expressed these concerns on social media platform, X.

Ramesh further highlighted that the composition of the committee seemed to confirm these suspicions, leading Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, the Leader of Congress in the Lok Sabha, to decline participation. In a letter addressed to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Chowdhury stated that the committee's terms of reference seemed designed to ensure specific conclusions, branding the entire exercise as a mere "eyewash."

Chowdhury also questioned the sudden push for the 'One Nation, One Election' concept, describing it as constitutionally suspect, pragmatically unfeasible, and logistically challenging, especially when introduced just months before general elections.

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Additionally, he expressed disappointment over the exclusion of Mallikarjun Kharge, the current Leader of the Opposition in Rajya Sabha, from the committee, viewing it as an affront to the principles of parliamentary democracy.

Given these reservations, Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury said he felt compelled to decline the committee's invitation, despite also serving as the chairman of the Public Accounts Committee of Parliament.

The high-level committee, chaired by former President Ram Nath Kovind, consists of eight members and has been tasked with examining and providing recommendations on the possibility of holding simultaneous elections for the Lok Sabha, state assemblies, municipalities, and panchayats.

Other notable members of the committee include Home Minister Amit Shah, former Leader of the Opposition in Rajya Sabha Ghulam Nabi Azad, and former Finance Commission Chairman N K Singh, according to an official notification.