One Nation, One Election' Bill introduced in Lok Sabha, sent to JPC for review

New Delhi, December 17: The Constitution (One Hundred and Twenty-Ninth Amendment) Bill, 2024 and The Union Territories Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2024 were introduced in the Lok Sabha after a vote in the House.

 The proposed bill, which seeks to implement 'One Nation, One Election' for simultaneous Lok Sabha and state assembly elections, will now be referred to a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) for further discussion.

The vote on the introduction of the bill, announced by the Lok Sabha Speaker, recorded 269 votes in favor (Ayes) and 196 against (Noes). Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal formally introduced the bill, emphasizing its significance. At the same time, Union Home Minister Amit Shah clarified, "When the One Nation, One Election Bill was taken up in the cabinet for approval, PM Modi had suggested sending it to the JPC for a detailed review." Meghwal also presented amendments to align elections in Union Territories like Delhi, Jammu Kashmir, and Puducherry with the proposed synchronized electoral cycle.

Opposition's Strong Criticism

The bill faced sharp opposition from several parties, who argued that it undermines the Constitution's federal structure and democratic principles.

Congress MP Manish Tewari said, "This bill is an absolute assault on the basic structure of the Constitution, including federalism, which is beyond the amending powers of the House."

 DMK MP T.R. Baalu criticized the bill as anti-federal, adding, "Electors have the right to choose a government for five years, and this right cannot be curtailed with simultaneous elections."

Samajwadi Party MP Dharmendra Yadav, speaking on behalf of his party leader Akhilesh Yadav, condemned the bill for undermining the Constitution, stating, "There was no one more learned than the framers of our Constitution. Even in this House, we cannot surpass their wisdom."

TMC MP Kalyan Banerjee labeled the bill ultra vires, asserting that it infringes on the autonomy of state assemblies. "State legislative assemblies are not subordinate to the Parliament. This move violates their legislative autonomy," he stated.

The heated debate reflected deep divisions over the proposal, with members of the INDIA bloc strongly opposing the bill, arguing it compromises federalism and state autonomy.

The bill, now under the purview of the JPC, will undergo detailed scrutiny before the next steps are taken.