Prahlad Joshi Rejects Federalism Concerns Over One Nation One Election Proposal

Union Minister Prahlad Joshi has strongly defended the proposed One Nation One Election initiative, rejecting claims that it would weaken India’s federal structure. Speaking to reporters in Gadag, he said the constitutional powers of states would remain fully protected and described the criticism from the Congress party as politically motivated.

Explaining the process behind the proposal, Joshi said the report prepared by the Joint Parliamentary Committee must first be submitted to the Speaker of the Lok Sabha. Only after the report reaches the central government will it be examined in detail, following which further decisions will be taken. He stressed that the proposal is still moving through the prescribed parliamentary procedure.

Responding to allegations that the plan would reduce the authority of state governments, Joshi argued that such concerns have no constitutional basis. According to him, a federal system is affected only when powers granted to states are taken away, and he maintained that the proposed reform does not seek to alter those constitutional rights. He accused the Congress of creating unnecessary fear by presenting misleading arguments against the proposal.

The minister also launched a sharp attack on Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. Joshi claimed that the party’s current political situation reflects its leadership and alleged that meaningful voices within the Congress are often sidelined. He said the party leadership encourages a single line of political messaging instead of allowing broader discussions.

Joshi further argued that the Congress is opposing the proposal because it believes the Bharatiya Janata Party would gain an advantage due to its wider national presence. He questioned why the ruling party should be blamed if the Congress has failed to maintain a strong national footprint, adding that strengthening a political organisation is the responsibility of each individual party.

Referring to India’s political history, the Union Minister said debates on intolerance and actions against democratic principles did not begin recently. He alleged that previous Congress governments had attempted to dismiss elected state governments for political reasons. He also cited the landmark Supreme Court judgment in the S R Bommai case, saying it played a decisive role in protecting federal values and limiting arbitrary action against state governments.

Joshi concluded by saying that any political party is free to rebuild its organisation and seek public support through democratic means. He maintained that the One Nation One Election proposal should be assessed on its constitutional and administrative merits rather than through political speculation, insisting that it does not threaten the rights or authority of India’s states.