Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai

Mumbai, May 19: The Shiv Sena (UBT) has voiced strong reservations about the feasibility of the Centre's ‘One Nation, One Election’ proposal, citing critical concerns related to logistics, resource availability, and the overall operational burden of conducting simultaneous elections across the country.

During a meeting with the Parliament-appointed Joint Select Committee in Mumbai on Saturday, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader and MLC Anil Parab flagged serious logistical hurdles. He pointed out that during state elections, Maharashtra frequently relies on Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and security personnel from other states. "If all elections are held at once, how will the government meet the massive surge in demand for EVMs and security forces?" Parab asked, emphasizing the strain this would place on the election machinery.

Parab also questioned the time efficiency of simultaneous voting, noting that even single-state elections often extend well beyond schedule. “Polling sometimes continues late into the night as it is. Imagine the delays if voters are casting votes for both Lok Sabha and state assembly seats at the same time,” he said, warning that simultaneous polls could overwhelm the system.

While the Shiv Sena (UBT) submitted its full list of concerns to the committee, it also renewed its call for a return to paper ballots instead of EVMs — a suggestion the committee clarified falls outside its mandate.

Headed by BJP MP P. P. Chaudhary, the Joint Select Committee was in Mumbai to gather stakeholder input as it studies the viability of synchronizing national and state elections — a move the Centre claims will reduce costs and ensure continuity in governance. However, for parties like Shiv Sena (UBT), the logistical roadblocks are too significant to ignore.