Biplab Deb criticizes Left leader Jyoti Basu for orchestrating the fall of state governments, calling it a deliberate attack on democracy.
BJP MP and former Tripura Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb launched a scathing attack on the Congress and Communist parties, accusing them of manipulating India’s democratic processes for narrow political gains. Speaking at two public events held in Agartala on Sunday, Deb strongly advocated for the implementation of the ‘One Nation, One Election’ system, asserting it is essential for national efficiency and public welfare.
Addressing a large gathering of ASHA workers, Anganwadi didis, and helpers at Rabindra Centenary Hall during a convention organized by the Mazdoor Monitoring Cell, Deb said, “The Emergency imposed by the Congress between 1975 and 1977 was not for the nation’s interest, but to protect the interests of a single family.” He further alleged that even India’s first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, had misused constitutional provisions to topple state governments that didn’t align with Congress’ agenda.
Later in the evening, the BJP leader held a discussion with business leaders and traders at Sukanta Academy in the capital. At both events, Deb emphasized the urgent need for public awareness regarding simultaneous elections, calling it a crucial reform that would save time, reduce expenditure, and allow governments to focus more on governance rather than constant electioneering.
“Not only the Congress, but the Communists too have misused their influence. Jyoti Basu once facilitated the fall of three state governments by withdrawing support from P.V. Narasimha Rao’s minority government“
“Not only the Congress, but the Communists too have misused their influence. Jyoti Basu once facilitated the fall of three state governments by withdrawing support from P.V. Narasimha Rao’s minority government,” Deb said, alleging that both parties deliberately oppose simultaneous polls to keep the public distracted from real issues through frequent, staggered elections.
He pointed out that the imposition of the Emergency saw thousands arrested simply for raising dissenting voices. “The concept of holding elections at separate times was born out of such politically motivated actions by Congress and the Left,” he said.
According to Deb, holding elections at different times harms the country in multiple ways. “Frequent elections force governments to spend at least two of their five-year terms observing the Model Code of Conduct, which delays developmental work. If all elections were held simultaneously, it would save enormous public funds and allow governments to function without interruption,” he explained.
He credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi for taking bold steps toward implementing the ‘One Nation, One Election’ policy. “Only a strong and determined leader like Modi could initiate such a far-reaching reform. Unified elections will ensure that the money saved can be redirected towards social welfare, especially for the underprivileged,” he added.
Biplab Deb concluded by reiterating that the current system benefits political parties like the Congress and CPI(M), but causes financial, administrative, and social setbacks for the country and its citizens. “It’s time to correct historic wrongs and unite the electoral process for the greater good of the nation,” he said.
