‘One Nation One Election’ Bill To Introduce In Lok Sabha Today

Goverment to introduce One Nation One Elction Bill in the Lok Sabha today. The goal is to implement the “One Nation, One Election” policy. This initiative seeks to synchronize elections for the Lok Sabha and state legislative assemblies. It aims to streamline the electoral process across the country.

Upon introduction, Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal will ask Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla to refer the bill to a Joint Committee. This committee will be part of Parliament. This referral is intended for broader consultations. This committee would be formed based on the proportional representation of parties in Parliament. The BJP is likely to secure the chairmanship due to its majority.

Key Provisions of the Bill

The bill proposes the addition of Article 82(A) to the Constitution. This article facilitates simultaneous elections to the House of the People and all Legislative Assemblies. It also suggests amendments to Articles 83, 172, and 327. These amendments concern the duration of parliamentary houses and legislative assemblies. They also address the Parliament’s authority over electoral provisions. A significant aspect of the bill is that if the Lok Sabha or any state assembly is dissolved before completing its term, elections will be conducted in the middle of the term. If the Lok Sabha or a state assembly is dissolved early, elections will occur in the middle of its term. These elections will be held solely for the remaining duration of that term. The implementation is scheduled for an “appointed date.” This is anticipated after the 2029 Lok Sabha elections. Synchronized elections will commence in 2034.

Political Reactions

The proposal has elicited mixed reactions. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Prime Minister Narendra Modi support the bill. They emphasize that it is included in the BJP’s 2024 election manifesto. Conversely, opposition parties express concerns over potential impacts on democratic accountability and federalism. Congress MP Jairam Ramesh has called for the bill’s referral to a Joint Parliamentary Committee for comprehensive discussions. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) leader M.K. Stalin labeled the proposal as “draconian,” warning it could suppress regional voices and undermine federal principles. Similarly, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee criticized the bill. She described it as an “authoritarian imposition” rather than a well-considered reform.

Legislative Process and Requirements

For the bill to pass, it requires a two-thirds majority in both houses of Parliament. In the Lok Sabha, with a current strength of 542 members, the government needs the support of 361 MPs. The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) will need backing from non-aligned parties. These include the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP), Biju Janata Dal (BJD), and All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK). This support is necessary to secure the votes needed. In the Rajya Sabha, with 231 members, 154 votes are required for passage. The NDA’s current strength in the Rajya Sabha is 114, necessitating additional support from other parties to achieve the requisite majority.

The “One Nation, One Election” bill represents a significant shift in India’s electoral framework. It aims to reduce the frequency of elections and associated expenditures. However, it faces substantial scrutiny regarding its implications for democratic processes and federal governance.