The proscribed Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC) on Friday said that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)’s proposal for ‘one nation, one election’ may serve as a vehicle to promote the Hindutva ideology, which seeks to homogenize India under the banner of Hinduism.
“They contend that such a system could inadvertently favor a specific ideology, undermining crucial principles of secularism and religious neutrality in Indian governance. This concern raises questions about the fundamental values that underpin India’s democracy and the protection of minority rights,” HNLC general secretary-cum-publicity secretary Sainkupar Nongtraw said in a statement.
Nongtraw said the HNLC argued that this initiative may transform India from a democracy into a theocracy, favoring the Hindutva ideology and the establishment of a Hindu Rastra.
“However, it is essential to recognize that India is a union of states, akin to the United States, comprising diverse princely states that voluntarily joined the country, some under coercive circumstances. This article aims to shed light on the concerns raised by various political parties, pressure groups, and individuals concerning the potential impact on India’s political landscape and democratic principles,” he said.
Nongtraw said that the proposal for a uniform election system, known as ‘one nation, one election,’ has drawn attention due to its potential effect on India’s diverse political fabric.
“Concerns have been raised that this system could lead to excessive centralization of power, limiting the representation and engagement of regional parties and minority voices. This, in turn, may hinder the equitable participation of all citizens in the democratic process. Advocates argue that a diverse nation like India requires robust decentralized governance to ensure fair representation for all its regions and communities,” he added.
The HNLC leader said to fully grasp the implications of this proposal, it is necessary to consider the historical context in which India was formed. India is not solely defined by its dominant religion but is a union of states (as stated in Article 1 of the Indian Constitution) with a history of princely states voluntarily joining. However, it should be acknowledged that some states were coerced and forced to sign the Instrument of Accession at gunpoint. Recognizing these historical nuances is crucial in evaluating the legitimacy of imposing a uniform election system over India’s diverse political landscape.
He said while the intended purpose behind the BJP government’s ‘one nation, one election’ proposal remains subject to debate, concerns have been raised regarding its impact on India’s democracy and diverse political landscape.
The risk of excessive centralization of power and limited representation of regional parties and minority voices is worrisome.
“Additionally, from HNLC’s perspective, promoting a specific ideology and the establishment of a Hindu Rastra could jeopardize secularism and religious neutrality in Indian governance. Therefore, as this proposal continues to be discussed, it is vital to consider diverse perspectives and ensure that any changes to India’s election system align with the principles of democracy and represent the interests of all citizens,” Nongtraw said.