Calls move a direct assault on fundamental structure and spirit of Constitution of India as framed by Babasaheb Dr. Bhim Rao Ambedkar

Cites Amendments defining BJP led Union Government’s agenda to conduct state elections at its convenience a year or two after general elections

Chandigarh, June 14:

Registering strong objections of the Punjab Government and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) to the ‘One Nation One Election’ proposal tabled by the BJP-led central government, the Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema on Saturday described it as a direct assault on the fundamental structure and spirit of the Constitution of India as framed by Babasaheb Dr. Bhim Rao Ambedkar.

Addressing a press conference at Punjab Bhawan after attending a meeting convened by the Joint Parliamentary Committee under the chairmanship of P.P. Choudhary, Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said that he, along with AAP State President Aman Arora, completely rejected the move. “This proposal by the BJP-led Union Government is a hidden agenda designed to destroy the federal structure of the nation as enshrined in the Constitution of India, meticulously architected by Baba Saheb Dr. Bhim Rao Ambedkar,” said Finance Minister Cheema.

Referring to the amendments in the proposed Bill, Finance Minister Cheema said that the suggested amendments would effectively render the tenures of state assemblies subject to the discretion of the Union Government, an alarming overreach incompatible with the federal framework enshrined in the Constitution. He said that this bill will further encourage the misuse of Article 356 and 360 by the Union government.

As per section 5 of part 2, If the Election Commission is of the opinion that the elections to any Legislative Assembly cannot be conducted along with the general election to the House of the People, it may make a recommendation to the President, to declare by an order, that the election to that Legislative Assembly may be conducted at a later date. Citing this amendment, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said that the BJP’s One Nation One Election concept would ultimately backfire, as it would enable the Union Government to conduct state elections at its convenience a year or two after general elections, rather than fulfilling the purpose of the proposal as being publicized.

Calling for a united stand to preserve the federal ethos and institutional autonomy of the states, Cheema emphasized that such unilateral proposals risk destabilizing the balance of power essential to India’s democratic fabric. He said that the One Nation One Election bill proposed by the BJP is a calculated move to eliminate regional parties that represent diverse cultures, languages, and regions, and serve as the backbone of Indian democracy.

Reaffirming the unwavering commitment of the Punjab Government and Aam Admi Party to upholding the Constitution, the Finance Minister said that the state government and AAP will also oppose this bill in writing to protect the rights of the states against centralized overreach.

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“This is not a new avatar. I have done this before and now I am doing it again to support my household,” Sidhu said. “I have always earned through haq halal. Politics gave me nothing — I only suffered losses. I didn’t set up a shop or acquire mines.”

Opening up about his personal life, Sidhu revealed that his wife, Dr. Navjot Kaur Sidhu, has been battling cancer. Due to financial constraints, he said he could not afford to take her abroad for treatment. This compelled him to resume work through television shows, cricket commentary, and public speaking.

Sidhu expressed deep disillusionment with politics, saying that while he entered the field with a mission — driven by his love for Punjab — his efforts to reform the system bore no fruit. “Politics was my mission. I wanted to serve Punjab through it. But when you join a party, there is always a boss above you,” he said.

He added that he was still willing to work for anyone genuinely committed to Punjab’s welfare. Criticising the current state of affairs in the state, he said, “For the past 30 years, the mafia has been patronised. If no politician has changed any policy, how will people’s lives change? Everyone just comes, takes their share, and leaves. Governments are being run on loans.”

Despite his disappointment, Sidhu said he found peace in the fact that he had never compromised his conscience or character during his political career.