New Delhi, December 17, 2024: The Constitution (One Hundred and Twenty-Ninth Amendment) Bill, 2024, also known as the "One Nation, One Election" Bill, was introduced in the Lok Sabha on Tuesday. Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal presented the bill, which proposes synchronizing elections for the Lok Sabha and state assemblies across India.
Key Developments
Introduction and Voting:
The bill was introduced following a heated debate, with 269 MPs voting in favor and 198 opposing the proposal. The voting reflected sharp divisions within the House, as members deliberated on the implications of simultaneous elections on governance and federalism.
Opposition and Support:
Several opposition parties, including the Congress, Samajwadi Party (SP), and Trinamool Congress (TMC), voiced strong criticism. Congress MP Manish Tewari argued that the bill undermines the basic structure of the Constitution, while TMC’s Kalyan Banerjee dismissed it as a personal agenda rather than genuine electoral reform.
On the other hand, the government and its supporters highlighted potential benefits such as reduced election expenses, administrative efficiency, and uninterrupted governance cycles.
Proposed Mechanism and Amendments
The bill introduces a legal framework to facilitate synchronized elections:
Insertion of Article 82(A): To allow simultaneous elections.
Amendments to Articles 83, 172, and 327: Fixing the Lok Sabha’s tenure at five years from a specified "appointed date."
State Assemblies' Term Alignment: State assembly elections held post the "appointed date" would conclude simultaneously with the Lok Sabha’s tenure.
Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC):
Following the bill’s presentation, Union Home Minister Amit Shah supported referring it to a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) for a broader consultation process. The step signifies the government’s willingness to engage in further discussion and review before the bill proceeds toward finalization.
Political Pressure and Whips Issued:
Recognizing the bill’s significance, both the BJP and Congress issued three-line whips to ensure the presence of their MPs during voting. The move underscores the critical importance attached to the proposed legislation.
Public and Political Reactions:
The bill has sparked widespread reactions, particularly on social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter). Supporters highlighted potential economic savings and streamlined governance, while opponents criticized it as a threat to federalism and democratic plurality.
Next Steps in Parliament
The bill now enters its next phase of parliamentary scrutiny, with further debates, possible amendments, and consultations expected as it moves toward ratification. The government's ability to balance consensus-building with addressing opposition concerns will determine the bill's success.
The "One Nation, One Election" proposal remains a transformative yet contentious reform, with its impact on India's democratic framework likely to shape political discourse in the coming months.
