Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala Assembly unanimously passed a resolution on Thursday, urging the Central Government to withdraw its approval for the 'one nation, one election' proposal recommended by the Ramnath Kovind panel, calling it "undemocratic and unconstitutional".

The resolution was introduced on behalf of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan by State Parliamentary Affairs Minister M B Rajesh. He argued that the proposal would undermine the federal structure of the country and threaten the diversity of India's parliamentary democracy.

Rajesh pointed out that the implementation of simultaneous elections would result in the premature termination of the terms of various state assemblies and local self-governments across the country.

The high-level committee had recommended holding simultaneous elections for the Lok Sabha and state assemblies as the first step, followed by synchronised local body polls within 100 days.

Rajesh argued that such a move would violate the people's mandate, challenge democratic rights, and encroach upon the states' power to conduct elections, thus eroding the country's federal system.

He criticised the committee for treating elections for the Lok Sabha, state Assemblies, and local bodies as mere financial expenses, labeling this approach "undemocratic".

Rajesh condemned the proposal as unnecessary, stating that there were simpler ways to reduce election costs and improve governance. He further claimed that the proposal was unconstitutional, went against constitutional values, and was part of the agenda of the RSS and BJP.

The Minister also accepted certain amendments proposed by UDF MLAs, and the resolution was subsequently passed unanimously by the House.

Agencies