Parliament Adjourned Sine Die: ONOE Bill Referred to Joint Committee
The Winter session of Parliament concluded dramatically as both Houses were adjourned sine die on Friday amid protests and disruptions. The session, which began on November 25, saw heated debates and demonstrations, particularly concerning the ‘One Nation, One Election’ (ONOE) bills and remarks by Union Home Minister Amit Shah on BR Ambedkar.
Key Developments
ONOE Bills Referred to Joint Committee
Two key bills related to ONOE, including the Constitution (129th Amendment) Bill, 2024, were referred to a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC). The JPC comprises 27 members from the Lok Sabha and 12 from the Rajya Sabha. BJP MP Bhartruhari Mahtab is expected to chair this critical panel.
The ONOE bills propose a mechanism for simultaneous elections across the country, aiming to streamline electoral processes. However, the proposal has sparked significant debate, with some Opposition members voicing concerns about its feasibility and implications.
Protests and Ruckus in Parliament
The session witnessed loud protests from Opposition members, including Congress MPs and other parties such as the DMK and NCP. Slogans like “Jai Bhim” were chanted in support of Ambedkar, while the Opposition criticized Amit Shah’s comments.
Despite the uproar, the Lok Sabha adopted the resolution to refer the ONOE bills to the JPC through a voice vote. Speaker Om Birla also issued stern warnings against protests within Parliament premises, emphasizing adherence to decorum and rules.
Session Productivity Decline
Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar expressed concern over the session’s low productivity, which stood at just 40.03%. Persistent disruptions, he noted, are eroding public trust in democratic institutions.
In his concluding remarks, Dhankhar urged Parliamentarians to prioritize meaningful debate over disruptions, reflecting on the growing dissatisfaction among the public.
Prominent JPC Members
Notable members of the JPC include Priyanka Gandhi Vadra (Congress) and PP Chaudhury (BJP). With its expanded strength of 39 MPs, the committee aims to provide diverse representation to scrutinize the ONOE bills thoroughly.
What Lies Ahead
The JPC is tasked with presenting its report to the Lok Sabha by the first day of the last week of the next parliamentary session. With the ONOE bills proposing significant electoral reforms, the panel’s deliberations will be crucial for shaping the future of elections in India.
