I.N.D.I.A.'s Mumbai Meet: BJP's 'One Nation, One Election' Plans Stir Controversy

 The opposition bloc I.N.D.I.A. convened its third conclave in Mumbai from August 31 to September 1. On Thursday, the discussion took an unexpected turn when the focus shifted towards the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) intentions of 'One Nation, One Election. This was in response to the Union government's announcement of a special session to address the Amrit Kaal.

The central government on August 31 announced a special session of 5 days from September 18-22. There are no reports of what will be discussed in the session. But the rumours suggest that it will be about the "One Nation, One Election" policy.

भारत लोकतंत्र की जननी है और हमारा लोकतंत्र एक परिपक्व लोकतंत्र है। यहां देश हित से जुड़े विषयों पर चर्चा करने की लंबी और समृद्ध परंपरा रही है।
'One nation, One election' के विषय पर चर्चा करने और लोगों की राय जानने के लिए अभी सिर्फ एक कमेटी का गठन किया गया है।
संसद के आगामी विशेष… pic.twitter.com/8sPdbzC6lM

— Pralhad Joshi (@JoshiPralhad) September 1, 2023

This policy will coordinate the elections for the Lok Sabha, the country's lower house of Parliament, and all state assemblies. The goal is to hold these elections either on a single day or during a defined time period. 

At the conclave, many cited logistics and technical challenges that come with the policy. According to one CM, the Narendra Modi administration is determined to hold the Lok Sabha elections ahead of schedule, possibly in December of this year. This would coincide with assembly elections in some key states.

Later, I.N.D.I.A.'s strategists discussed whether the alliance would appoint a convenor or a panel of 10 to 11 members. Suggestions to expand the alliance with additional invitees were also considered. Furthermore, it brought up the matter of a seat-sharing formula (whether central or state-level).

The role of a convenor holds significant weight. This is because many leaders who previously held this position in national coalitions later became prime ministers or prominent candidates for the role.

Before being diverted to One Nation, One Election, the conclave aimed to address issues like the Adani controversy. It was attended by the top leaders of 28 parties and was hosted by Uddhav Thackeray, the former Maharashtra CM. This is the first time Mumbai has seen a huge gathering of opposition leaders. The main aim of the meeting was to discuss matters related to the upcoming Lok Sabha election.