The Larger Project of Subverting the Idea of India: An Analysis
Introduction
The article by C. Rammanohar Reddy discusses the pressing issue of introducing "simultaneous" elections to the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies in India. While this has been a subject of discussion since 1999, recent developments indicate that a highlevel committee headed by a former President of India is exploring its viability. The article delves deep into the implications of this proposal for the Indian polity, its impact on federalism, and the larger agenda behind it.
The Simplistic Rationale
Selling the Idea
The government has framed the proposal of simultaneous elections as a costsaving measure and a way to avoid administrative disruptions during election periods. This approach appeals to a section of the electorate frustrated with bureaucratic inefficiencies.
Example
For instance, the government argues that the expense of conducting elections throughout the year can be avoided. This rationale, while appealing, ignores the fundamental role of elections in keeping governments accountable.
Counterarguments by Experts
False Rationale
A considerable body of analysis disputes the government's rationale, arguing that the financial burden of elections is not significant enough to warrant such a drastic change.
Example
Y.V. Reddy, the chairman of the Fourteenth Finance Commission, has pointed out that elections are mechanisms to hold governments accountable. Making them less frequent could compromise this crucial aspect of democracy.
Constitutional and Political Implications
Changing the Basic Structure
Implementing simultaneous elections would require major changes to constitutional terms and rules. This could result in fixedterm governments, the abolition of noconfidence motions, and a concentration of power in the hands of the President or Governors.
Example
To make simultaneous elections a reality, state governments' tenures might have to be curtailed or extended, which would disrupt the current federal structure of India.
Larger Ideological Concerns
The 'One Nation, One X' Agenda
The proposal is seen as part of a broader agenda to centralize power and wipe out India's diverse characteristics. This is aligned with an ideological project that stresses homogeneity over heterogeneity.
Example
The "One Nation, One Election" proposal goes beyond previous "One Nation, One Tax" and "One Nation, One Ration Card" policies by aiming to further centralize administrative and political power.
Current Political Climate
The government has convened a special session of Parliament to discuss this and other pressing matters, like the new push for renaming the country to "Bharat" only. Critics argue that the committee assigned to explore simultaneous elections has biased terms of reference and lacks representation from opposition parties.
Conclusion
The idea of simultaneous elections poses serious questions about the future of Indian democracy, governance, and federalism. The proposal is deeply interwoven with broader ideological and political agendas, and its implementation could result in a seismic shift in the constitutional and political landscape of the country.
