"One Nation, One Election" attempts to eradicate smaller parties: D.K. Shivakumar
Vijayapura: Karnataka's Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar has strongly opposed the central government's proposal for "One Nation, One Election," claiming that it is an attempt to undermine smaller political parties.
Speaking to the media on Friday in Vijayapura, Shivakumar stated, "National leaders of our party have opposed the 'One Nation, One Election' bill. This is a strategy to finish off smaller parties. The BJP is facing difficulties in securing seats in several states, and therefore, they are attempting to diminish the influence of smaller parties."
Shivakumar further expressed concern over the timing of such a move, noting that elections have just been held in some states, while in others, elections were conducted a year or two ago. He questioned how the proposal would apply to states with varying electoral schedules, calling the initiative problematic.
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Cummins doubtful for T20 World Cup? It's quite grey right now, says Aus head coach
Melbourne (PTI): Australia skipper Pat Cummins' chances of playing at next year's T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka are "quite grey at the moment" as he battles a back stress issue that has affected his participation in the ongoing Ashes series against England.
Cummins returned to play the third Ashes Test in Adelaide after missing the opening two matches, picking up six wickets to help Australia clinch the series 3-0.
However, the Australian Test and ODI skipper will take no further part in the series and even his participation at the T20 World Cup is also uncertain. All-rounder Mitchell Marsh is Australia's T20I captain.
"Looking forward to the World Cup, whether he will be there or not, I can't really say. It's quite grey at the moment. We're hopeful," head coach Andrew McDonald was quoted as saying by 'ESPNCricinfo'.
The fast bowler was diagnosed with a lumbar stress reaction during Australia's tour of the West Indies in July. He underwent rehabilitation before being cleared for a carefully managed return in Adelaide.
"He's pulled up fine. He won't play any part in the rest of the series and that was a discussion that we had a long time out around his return," McDonald said.
"We were taking on some risk and people that reported on that would understand the risk associated with that rebuild. We've now won the series and that was the goal.
"So, to position him for further risk and jeopardise him long-term is not something that we want to do and Pat's really comfortable with that," he added.
The T20 World Cup is scheduled to begin on February 7 across India and Sri Lanka with the summit clash set for March 8.
Australia's first match is on February 11 against Ireland at Colombo. Although Cummins captains the Test and ODI teams, all-rounder Mitch Marsh leads Australia in the shortest format.
