POLITICS

Deadlock persists on One Nation, One Election proposal

Sources indicate that the government’s ambitious plan for ‘One Nation, One Election’ has hit a roadblock, with no consensus emerging among stakeholders.

The High-Level Committee led by former President Ram Nath Kovind submitted its report on holding simultaneous polls, but discussions stalled amid strong differences on constitutional, logistical, and federal concerns.

While proponents argue such a framework would reduce costs and ensure policy continuity, several opposition parties and states remain wary of its impact on federalism and regional autonomy. The lack of unanimity has resulted in a deadlock, raising questions over whether the proposal will gain political traction ahead of the upcoming election cycle.

Telangana wants compensation from Centre for revenue loss

Telangana is the first state that has urged the centre to compensate revenue loss with the new GST structure. According to CM Revanth Reddy, Telangana state will be losing Rs 7000 crore revenue annually under the GST rate rationalisation. He said the GST rate rationalisation will have an adverse impact on the state revenues and the Centre should come to the rescue of states which will bear the brunt of the new GST structure. Telangana is a Congress-ruled state.

Has Shashi Tharoor been asked to lobby India’s case against H-1B Visa row?

Sources suggest that Shashi Tharoor has been actively engaging US lawmakers and Indian-American diaspora over the recent H-1B visa fee hike introduced by the Trump administration. Tharoor emphasised that the sharp increase—raising new H-1B visa fee to $100,000—is largely driven by US domestic politics and designed to restrict low- and mid-level tech jobs for foreign workers, effectively targeting Indian professionals. He argued that this policy could ultimately hurt the US economy and lead to more outsourcing, while calling on the Indian diaspora to become more vocal and advocate for India’s interests in Washington. Tharoor also reassured that despite present setbacks, the India–US relationship remains fundamentally strong and that both countries’ long-term interests will likely lead to renewed cooperation.