Kamal Haasan Slams ‘One Nation, One Election’: ‘In 2014 Polls, India Escaped Disease Worse Than COVID-19’

Kamal Haasan said that the democratic process a decade ago avoided embracing the concept of simultaneous polls and if not it could have severely harmed India's political diversity.

Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM) founder Kamal Haasan voiced strong opposition to the 'One Nation, One Election' proposal, calling it "dangerous" and flawed, citing examples of countries where the concept has left lasting scars. Haasan emphasised that such a proposal is not only unnecessary for India but also poses a threat to the democratic fabric of the nation in the future. Speaking at a party event on Saturday, Haasan compared the escape from simultaneous elections to avoiding a disease "more virulent than Coronavirus."

Without directly naming any political leader or party, Haasan indicated that if simultaneous elections had been held in 2014 or 2015, it would have led to a complete sweep by a single political entity, as reported by PTI. This, he warned, could have resulted in dictatorship, curtailment of freedom of speech, and dominance by one leader.

“You should understand that we have escaped from it..we have escaped from a disease more virulent than Coronavirus,” Haasan remarked, suggesting that the democratic process a decade ago avoided embracing the concept of simultaneous polls, which could have severely harmed India's political diversity.

Drawing an analogy, Haasan asked, as per PTI, "What would happen if all traffic lights glow in the same colour at the same time?" He stressed the importance of allowing people time to think and make independent choices in a staggered election process.

Haasan Refers To Himself As 'Failed Politician'

Haasan also spoke about his journey into politics, revealing that he was advised against joining the political field and even hosting the reality show Bigg Boss. He reflected on how his entire life, since childhood, had been spent in the limelight, and politics was a natural extension of his connection with people. "This is not an addiction but a way of life," Haasan stated, explaining why he chose to pursue politics.

Referring to himself as a "failed politician," Haasan acknowledged the challenges he faced but added that failure is not a permanent state. He reminded his audience that positions, including that of Prime Minister, are also not permanent. Without naming anyone, he affirmed that the democratic foundations laid by leaders like Mahatma Gandhi, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, and Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru could not be easily overturned, despite efforts to undermine them.