Today, On 17th December, Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal introduced the One Nation, One Election Bill in the Lok Sabha, triggering fierce opposition. The Congress immediately demanded its withdrawal, raising concerns about its impact on democracy and federalism. The bill, which seeks to align elections nationwide, has sparked intense debates in Parliament. This development sets the stage for a major political confrontation during the ongoing session.
New Delhi: The Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal introduced a constitutional amendment bill titled the Constitution (One Hundred and Twenty-Ninth Amendment) Bill, 2024, commonly known as the “One Nation, One Election” bill.
If approved, this bill will mandate that elections for the Lok Sabha, state assemblies, and local bodies (both urban and rural) be held in the same year, if not simultaneously. This practice was followed from India’s independence until 1967.
Currently, a two-day debate on the Constitution is taking place in the Rajya Sabha, commemorating the 75th anniversary of India’s Constitution. This debate was initiated yesterday by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.
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The Winter Session of Parliament, which commenced on November 25, is now in its final week, concluding on December 20. On Tuesday, the Central government, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, listed the constitutional amendment bill for simultaneous Lok Sabha and assembly elections.
Minister Meghwal expected to ask Speaker Om Birla to refer the bill to a Joint Committee of Parliament for broader consultations.
The bill also aims to synchronize elections in the union territories of Jammu and Kashmir, Puducherry, and the NCT of Delhi, and it was approved by the Cabinet last week. This proposal has been included in the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) 2024 election manifesto and has the support of Prime Minister Modi.
However, it has met with resistance from various political parties and activists who argue that it could undermine democratic accountability.
The Union Government introduced the One Nation One Election Bill in the Lok Sabha, facing opposition from parties such as Congress, TMC, and DMK. Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal presented the Constitutional Amendment Bill, which seeks to implement the ‘One Nation, One Election’ initiative.
The BJP has issued a three-line whip to its Members of Parliament to ensure their presence in the House, while the Congress party has done the same for its Lok Sabha MPs.
Congress MP Manish Tewari formally submitted a notice to oppose the introduction of the Constitution (One Hundred and Twenty-Ninth Amendment) Bill, 2024. In his notice to the Secretary-General of the Lok Sabha under Rule 72 of the Rules of Procedure, Tewari voiced strong objections to the bill, describing it as a “threat to India’s federal structure and democratic principles.”
He stated,
“My objections to the proposed Bill are based on serious concerns regarding constitutionalism and constitutionality.”
Tewari also raised concerns that the bill could undermine state governments by centralizing the electoral process, asserting that it “weakens grassroots democracy and encroaches on the autonomy of local governance.”
Read Also: DEBATE AROUND ONE NATION ONE ELECTION
The concept of “One Nation, One Election” proposes an electoral reform in India that aims to align the timing of elections for the Lok Sabha (Parliament), state legislative assemblies, and local governing bodies (both urban and rural) across the nation. This initiative intends to simplify the electoral system by holding all elections simultaneously, ideally within a span of 100 days.
The goals of this reform include reducing the financial burden associated with frequent elections, minimizing disruptions to governance and public administration, and creating a more streamlined and effective democratic process. Proponents believe that this approach would enhance efficiency and conserve resources. However, critics express concerns regarding its feasibility, potential effects on federalism, and the level of preparedness needed to implement such a large-scale change.