Kamal Haasan, the renowned actor and founder of Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM), has voiced a strong opposition to the controversial ‘One Nation, One Election’ proposal. During a recent party event, he emphasized that this idea could pose a significant risk to India’s democratic structure, potentially leading to a dominance of a single political entity, which he compared to a disease “more virulent than the Coronavirus”
The Proposal: What is ‘One Nation, One Election’?
The ‘One Nation, One Election’ proposal aims to synchronize elections across the country for both the Lok Sabha and state assemblies. Proponents argue that it could streamline the electoral process, reduce costs, and avoid the constant cycle of elections. However, critics like Haasan argue that this could disrupt the political diversity of India, centralizing power and undermining regional representation.
Kamal Haasan’s Concerns: A Deeper Look
Haasan believes that simultaneous elections could have severely impacted India’s political landscape if implemented a decade ago. He warned that such a scenario might have led to a complete sweep by a single party, paving the way for dictatorship, curtailment of free speech, and suppression of political dissent. He used the analogy of traffic lights turning green simultaneously, indicating the chaos and lack of direction that such a system could cause. Without naming any specific party or leader, Haasan highlighted how the democratic process in 2014 helped India avoid this potential crisis. He stressed the need for a staggered electoral process that allows citizens time to think, deliberate, and choose their representatives independently.
Why ‘One Nation, One Election’ is Dangerous for India?
Kamal Haasan pointed to examples from other countries where similar proposals had left lasting scars on their political systems. He argued that India’s unique cultural and political diversity requires a more nuanced approach to governance. The ‘One Nation, One Election’ proposal, he believes, is not suitable for a country as diverse and populous as India, where regional and local issues differ significantly from national concerns.
Haasan’s Political Journey: A ‘Failed Politician’?
In a candid reflection, Haasan described himself as a “failed politician” but emphasized that failure is not permanent. He recounted his entry into politics against the advice of many, drawing parallels with his decision to host the reality show Bigg Boss. For him, politics was not an addiction but a way of life, an extension of his commitment to serve people
