Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Derek O’Brien has criticised the Centre’s proposed “One Nation, One Election” (ONOE) initiative, terming it a “weapon of mass distraction” aimed at "diverting attention" from pressing national issues such as unemployment, inflation, and the Manipur crisis.
In a blog post on Saturday, O’Brien, the TMC Parliamentary Party leader in the Rajya Sabha, asserted, “The ONOE is another ‘Weapon of Mass Distraction’!”
The bill, he alleged, seeks to deflect focus from issues like anti-federal policies, a weakening rupee, and stagnant fuel prices despite falling global crude oil costs.
TMC’s Opposition to ONOE
The TMC has voiced strong opposition to the initiative, with party chief and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee pledging to resist the legislation.
“Our MPs will oppose the draconian legislation tooth and nail in Parliament,” Banerjee has said.
Drawing a parallel to the Women’s Reservation Bill passed last year, O’Brien argued that the ONOE proposal similarly keeps critical governance issues away from public discourse.
He remarked, “The news stayed on prime time, tucking away the government’s ineffectual handling of the Manipur crisis.”
On the Women’s Reservation Bill, he pointed out that its implementation hinges on the completion of the Census and delimitation exercises, which means its earliest effectuation will be in 2034.
The TMC leader highlighted the extensive constitutional amendments required to facilitate simultaneous elections.
He noted that the High Level Committee (HLC) on ONOE, chaired by former President Ram Nath Kovind, has suggested 18 amendments to the Constitution and related statutes, including provisions for Union Territories with legislative assemblies.
“These amendments will necessitate a Constitution amendment bill to be passed with a special majority in Parliament and ratification by at least half the states,” O’Brien explained, citing Articles 368(2), 324A, and 325.
He also criticised the absence of chief ministers or state representatives on the HLC, stating that any amendment affecting state assembly tenures should involve broader consultation with states.
O’Brien also referenced a study by the IDFC Institute that indicated a 77% likelihood of voters supporting the same party at both the Centre and states in the event of simultaneous polls.
The Centre is expected to introduce two bills on Monday in the Lok Sabha: the Constitution (129th Amendment) Bill and the Union Territories Laws (Amendment) Bill, both related to the ONOE initiative. Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal will table these bills.
O’Brien reiterated his party’s objections to the proposals, questioning their timing and intent. “This is yet another attempt to undermine federalism while masking governance failures,” he said.
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