Karnataka cabinet gives nod for resolutions against NEET, 'One Nation, One Election', delimitation
Bengaluru, Jul 22: The Karnataka Cabinet that met on Monday night under the leadership of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has given its approval for adopting three resolutions, including one against the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET), official sources said.
The other two resolutions are said to be against 'One Nation, One Election' and delimitation of constituencies for the Lok Sabha and state legislative assemblies.
The resolutions are likely to be tabled during the ongoing legislature session, probably on Tuesday itself, the sources said.
The cabinet is also said to have cleared the ‘Greater Bengaluru Governance Bill 2024’.
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A four-member committee led by former chief secretary B S Patil, formed to restructure the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike, submitted its report to the government earlier this month.
In the draft bill, the committee is said to have proposed the creation of a Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) with planning and financial powers to govern the city, and it also provides for multiple corporations and makes provision for up to 400 wards.
Amid the ongoing controversy on NEET, Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar had recently urged the Centre to scrap the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test, and allow states to conduct their own entrance tests.
The High-level Committee on Simultaneous Elections constituted under the chairmanship of Former President Ram Nath Kovind had submitted its report on 'One Nation, One Election' to President Droupadi Murmu in March.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah had earlier said that the census and delimitation processes will begin soon after the 2024 Lok Sabha polls.
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Shivakumar opposes ‘One Nation One Election’, calls it ‘unworkable’
Bengaluru (PTI): Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Saturday strongly opposed the central government’s proposed ‘One Nation One Election’ initiative.
Shivakumar expressed his views at a dialogue on ‘One Nation One Election’ organised by the Joint Parliamentary Study Committee.
He said the plan is a politically motivated, power-centralising scheme that would seriously damage India’s federal structure by weakening states and poses a threat to the democratic system, according to a statement from his office.
As KPCC president and deputy CM of Karnataka, he categorically rejected the proposal, stating that it is being crafted to suit the convenience of those in power at the Centre.
Shivakumar said that the Karnataka Legislative Assembly had already passed a resolution opposing ‘One Nation One Election’ and read out the resolution at the meeting.
He firmly stated that it is “not a workable plan” and added that it is “practically impossible.”
“If a government falls midterm due to political instability, a no-confidence motion, or loss of majority, what is the solution?” he asked.
“Elections are held at different times in different states for different terms. Karnataka had its election in 2023, while Tamil Nadu and Kerala had theirs in 2021, and Punjab and Telangana in 2022 and 2023, respectively. How can these elections with varying schedules be synchronised?” he asked.
He added that the proposal is a ploy to suppress the voices of regional and Opposition parties.
He also said the Karnataka government does not agree with the proposal and remains committed to the position of the Congress party’s national leadership.
