Agartala: April 07: A convention on “One Nation, One Election” was held at Rabindra Centenary Bhavan, organized by the Mazdoor Monitoring Cell, with participation from ASHA workers, Anganwadi workers, and helpers from across the state. Later in the evening, discussions on the topic continued at Sukanta Academy Auditorium in the capital, involving various businessmen. Member of Parliament and former Chief Minister of Tripura, Biplab Kumar Deb, addressed both events, emphasizing the importance of raising public awareness about simultaneous elections.
During his speeches, Deb criticized past policies, alleging that Congress imposed Emergency from 1975 to 1977 for the benefit of a single family. He also claimed that Congress’s first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, attempted to topple state governments through unethical means. Deb accused both Congress and the Communists of opposing simultaneous elections, suggesting that they used misleading tactics to divert attention from key issues. He further alleged that Jyoti Basu withdrew support from PV Narasimha Rao’s minority government, leading to instability in three states.
Deb argued that holding elections at different times has caused disruptions in governance, financial losses, and logistical challenges. He highlighted the benefits of simultaneous elections, including saving time and resources, ensuring continuity in governance, and enabling governments to focus on public welfare. According to Deb, the saved resources could be utilized for the underprivileged sections of society. He credited Prime Minister Modi for taking steps toward implementing this concept.
The convention provided a platform for discussions on electoral reforms, reflecting ongoing debates about the potential advantages and challenges of “One Nation, One Election.”
