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author

On an entirely different note, I am quite intrigued by the American electoral system. How can different states have different laws and rules for federal elections like that of the President, Senate and the US house of representatives?

I think this is one point where they need to learn from Indian system.

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I recently read an insightful write-up by Sardar KBS Sidhu, an esteemed bureaucrat of the 1984 Punjab cadre, who recently served in the rank of Chief Secretary. His analysis of the 'One Nation, One Election' proposal was as incisive as that of a seasoned political commentator. He skillfully wove historical, political, and constitutional perspectives to expose the hidden agenda behind the government's initiative.

Mr Sidhu weighed both the pros and cons, providing a balanced view. His analysis serves as a stark warning for Indian democracy, especially if the central government were to fall mid-term. In such a scenario, the President could potentially assume a dictatorial role.

This is a cautionary tale that could prompt opposition parties to unite in defense of democratic principles. Kudos to Sardar KBS Sidhu for enlightening us on this issue of national importance. 🙏🙏

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Sep 2, 2023Liked by KBS Sidhu

Voters are not always fully informed about the issues .Emotions , religious leanings and personal biases play greater role than the economic policy or administrative improvements desired/needed. Electing them all at one time makes us swing in one direction or the other. Also at state level the strength and popularity of regional parties may overshadow the national party .

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author

Your point is well taken.

However, my experience has been that the Indian voter, all over the country, is very well informed.

Even in case of simultaneous elections, where there are two ballot boxes or two EVMs side-by-side, there can be a difference of 5 to 10%, with reference to the votes cast to the candidates of the same political party, for Lok Sabha and Vidhan Sabha respectively.

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"The concept of 'One Nation, One Poll' seems impractical in India's vibrant and volatile political landscape, particularly because most political parties here are personality-driven rather than ideologically centered. It raises the question of the government's actual intention behind this proposal, which appears unrelated to the special parliamentary session convened for September. The recent formation of a panel to examine this idea confirms that it has yet to take a concrete form. The proposal seems to be inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's sweeping popularity, which far exceeds that of the BJP and extends across India. However, this line of thought is flawed. Recent elections, like those in Odisha, have demonstrated that Indian voters clearly distinguish between state and national leadership even when voting simultaneously.

In my assessment, the special parliamentary session may be aimed at introducing the Universal Civil Code (UCC) bill. While the BJP may struggle to secure enough votes to pass this bill, it would nonetheless provide them with a compelling issue for the 2024 elections—adding to their existing platform that includes the Ram Mandir, Chandrayaan, G20 leadership, and economic growth. Another possible bill could be a Universal Healthcare Bill aimed at expanding the Ayushman Bharat Scheme to cover every Indian citizen, an idea that has been under policy consideration for some time.

Regardless of the rationale, the underlying aim of this special session seems to be to seize the initiative from the I.N.D.I.A alliance and set the political agenda for the next election cycle."

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author

Very comprehensive and insightful perspective.

Thank you Doctor Sahib-- your observations are always veryvaluable.

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A fruitful interaction with learned readers!

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Sep 2, 2023Liked by KBS Sidhu

Makes sense , thanks for the education. We see that here locally a ballot on election day in November where we pick candidates for senate, Governor,Presidential , judges , county commissioners etc. I am a registered Republican but many times vote for Democrat because of ability and programs advocated by the candidate.

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One nation, one election is a tactical move of bhajpa to thwart the efforts of all opposition parties to bhajpa who are having only one common programme to liberate the nation from communal and divisive forces. Political parties always play games which apparently seem to be lucrative for the masses but ultimately prove to be beneficial to achieve their political ambitions only,

This is a write seasoned write up from a top most bureacrat recently in the rank of chief secratary, S KBS sidhu ex Ias of pb cadre 1984 Batch.

I find this write up as if written by a professional political commentator of large experience in journalism. He has taken up hostorical, political and cultural aspects of the nation highlighting the instances in the past and mentioning the constitional provisions.

He has unearthed the hidden agenda of the presant govt..

Has also given the pros and coins on both sides.

It may be taken as a serious warning and challange to the indian democracy in case the govt in centre falls in the midway as it used to occur, in that situarion the president may prove to be the dictator.

Oh God save us from such mischiefs and devilish moves in the minds of power hungry politicians.

This govern mental move may ultimately support the oppposion to unite to save the democracy.

My kudos to s kbs sidhu to open our ears and eyes on this issue of national importance 🙏🙏

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One nation, one election is a tactical move of bhajpa to thwart the efforts of all opposition parties to bhajpa who are having only one common programme to liberate the nation from communal and divisive forces. Political parties always play games which apparently seem to be lucrative for the masses but ultimately prove to be beneficial to achieve their political ambitions only,

This is a write seasoned write up from a top most bureacrat recently in the rank of chief secratary, S KBS sidhu ex Ias of pb cadre 1984 Batch.

I find this write up as if written by a professional political commentator of large experience in journalism. He has taken up hostorical, political and cultural aspects of the nation highlighting the instances in the past and mentioning the constitional provisions.

He has unearthed the hidden agenda of the presant govt..

Has also given the pros and coins on both sides.

It may be taken as a serious warning and challange to the indian democracy in case the govt in centre falls in the midway as it used to occur, in that situarion the president may prove to be the dictator.

Oh God save us from such mischiefs and devilish moves in the minds of power hungry politicians.

This govern mental move may ultimately support the oppposion to unite to save the democracy.

My kudos to s kbs sidhu to open our ears and eyes on this issue of national importance 🙏🙏

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It's a red herring.

BJP has an inexhaustible list of ill conceived and half baked theories.

CAA didn't take off, and UCC has remained a non-starter even after the BJP being in power at the Centre for a total of over fifteen years.

Abrogation of Art. 370 has not made the life of an ordinary Kashmiri any better.

Smart talk of bringing black money back home, and smart moves like demonetisation haven't given desired results.

No electoral system can satisfy a nation whose PM has taken upon himself, as his prime duty, it seems, to win elections for his party all over the country, and who is ready to move out of the Capital to canvass for his party anytime, anywhere, and for any length of time.

.

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author

An interesting take, even if one may not be able to agree with it one hundred percent

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