Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge on Friday criticized the BJP-led NDA government’s “One Nation, One Election” proposal, alleging that it was a diversionary tactic designed to shift public focus away from the ongoing crisis in Manipur and the growing economic challenges facing the nation.

In a statement to reporters in Karnataka, Kharge accused the central government of using the proposal as a smokescreen to obscure serious issues. He raised doubts about the feasibility of implementing simultaneous elections, questioning whether the government had the necessary infrastructure and resources. Kharge further claimed, “This is a diversion to hide their failures and the Adani-SEBI controversy,” adding that the proposal was unplanned and unconstitutional, with the potential to harm regional parties.

The proposal, which aims to conduct simultaneous elections for the Lok Sabha, state Assemblies, urban bodies, and panchayats within 100 days, has sparked a political debate. While opposition leaders like Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut have voiced strong opposition, calling the plan the “biggest threat to democracy,” JDU MP Sanjay Jha has supported it, arguing that it could bring continuity in governance by reducing election-related disruptions.

The Union Cabinet approved the proposal on Thursday, setting the stage for its introduction in Parliament. While opposition parties in the INDIA alliance have raised concerns, the BJP-led NDA has welcomed the plan, claiming it will streamline the electoral process and save time.

Prime Minister Modi praised the proposal as a step towards strengthening India’s democracy and thanked former President Ram Nath Kovind for leading the committee that drafted it.