Karunanidhi once backed One Nation One Election: Pawan Kalyan reminds MK Stalin
Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan on Monday appealed to Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin to reconsider his opposition to the 'One Nation One Election' (ONOE) policy and support the proposal in the national interest. Describing the ONOE not just as a political or administrative change but as a significant economic reform, Kalyan urged all parties to accept the idea and move forward with a focus on development.advertisement'It is a constraint of time. Let's accept ONOE and move forward embracing development,' said Kalyan, who is also the president of the Janasena Party, an ally of the BJP. He was speaking at a seminar on ONOE organised by the BJP in Chennai.
Referencing the late Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) patriarch M Karunanidhi, Kalyan recalled that simultaneous elections were once advocated by Karunanidhi during his tenure as Chief Minister in 1971. 'He wanted this to happen. But, today the sad part is the (same) DMK is opposing it. Those opposing ONOE should go and read Karunanidhi's argument in his autobiography 'Nenjuku Neethi' in favour of simultaneous elections,' he said.Kalyan claimed that Karunanidhi had asked the Centre to set up a committee to restore simultaneous polls, which he said was precisely what the national leadership was now pursuing. 'That's exactly what is being done today. The national leadership is implementing the vision of none other than Karunanidhi, his thought. It is strange and bizarre that MK Stalin is opposing what his father has proposed. We should all look into it,' he added.advertisementHe further urged the Chief Minister Stalin to revisit the Tamil Nadu Assembly's resolution against ONOE and consider its potential to strengthen India's democratic framework by improving governance efficiency, optimising the use of resources, and enabling broader national unity.Acknowledging that he came from a regional political background himself, Kalyan said he understood the DMK's concerns regarding issues such as the imposition of Hindi and state-specific matters. However, he stressed that personal or party agendas should not be allowed to impede national progress. 'Political stability and having a foothold is different. Our individual agenda should not hamper the growth of the people. It should create stability for people, not instability,' he said.Responding to concerns around federalism and state autonomy, Kalyan suggested that such matters could be resolved through constructive dialogue. 'We will see that we have enough robust constitutional safeguards and a phased implementation approach that respects India's diverse regional entities. I request the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister to reconsider and take this ONOE policy decision forward,' he said.Defending the idea of simultaneous elections, the Janasena leader said that the current model of staggered elections had created an almost perpetual electoral cycle, consuming time and focus that should be devoted to governance. 'Where is the time for growth, stability and economic prosperity? The focus of consistent governance is inevitably diluted,' he argued.advertisementHe also criticised opposition parties, including the DMK and its allies, for labelling the ONOE proposal as anti-federal. Questioning their position, Kalyan asked why Karunanidhi, regarded by them as a defender of federal rights, had supported the same idea they now oppose.Speaking about his personal connection with Tamil Nadu, Kalyan said the state, which he described as the land of Thiruvalluvar, Subramaniya Bharati, MG Ramachandran, Jallikattu, Siddhars, and Lord Murugan, had deeply influenced him throughout his life.
IN THIS STORY#Andhra Pradesh#Tamil Nadu
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