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Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal Tables ‘One Nation, One Election’ Bill in Lok Sabha

December 17, 2024, 1:22 pm

Union Law and Justice Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal introduced the Constitution (129 Amendment) Bill, 2024, in the Lok Sabha on Tuesday. This bill aims to implement the ‘One Nation, One Election’ proposal, which seeks to synchronize national elections for the Lok Sabha and state assemblies.

In addition to the main bill, Meghwal also proposed amendments to the Government of Union Territories Act, 1963, the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi Act, 1991, and the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019. These amendments are intended to align assembly elections in Delhi, Jammu Kashmir, and Puducherry with the proposed simultaneous elections.

Opposition Voices Concerns Over Constitutional Integrity

Congress MP Manish Tewari voiced strong opposition to the bill, arguing that it undermines the Constitution’s basic structure. He stated, “The essential features are federalism and the structure of our democracy. Therefore, the bills moved by the Minister of Law and Justice are an absolute assault on the basic structure of the Constitution.”

Samajwadi Party MP Dharmendra Yadav echoed Tewari’s sentiments, expressing confusion over the government’s sudden push for the amendment just days after upholding constitutional values. He emphasized the wisdom of the Constitution’s framers and criticized the bill as a threat to its foundational principles.

Cabinet’s Recommendations and Opposition’s Reactions

In September, the Union Cabinet approved recommendations from a High-Level Committee on Simultaneous Elections, chaired by former President Ram Nath Kovind. The committee proposed implementing simultaneous polls in two phases, with local body elections to follow within 100 days of general elections. It also recommended a common electoral roll for all elections.

However, opposition leaders, including those from Congress and the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), have expressed vehement opposition to the ‘One Nation, One Election’ bill. Congress MP Jairam Ramesh labeled the bill unconstitutional and a threat to democracy, asserting that it aims to undermine accountability in governance. He further claimed that the bill is part of a broader agenda to replace India’s Constitution.

NCP-SCP MP Supriya Sule called for a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) to discuss the bill, emphasizing the need for thorough deliberation. Congress MP Pramod Tiwari criticized the government’s approach, suggesting that an all-party meeting would have been more appropriate for discussing such significant constitutional changes.

Congress MP K Suresh reiterated the party’s strong opposition, stating that the bill threatens India’s democracy and federal structure. He predicted that while NDA allies like TDP and JD(U) may not openly oppose the bill, they are likely against it.

Samajwadi Party MP Ram Gopal Yadav also condemned the bill, asserting that it contradicts various sections of the Constitution. Earlier in the day, Tewari submitted a formal notice to oppose the introduction of the Constitution (One Hundred and Twenty-Ninth Amendment) Bill, 2024, citing serious concerns regarding constitutionalism and legality.

Parliament Session: Law Minister Tables “One Nation, One Election” Bill in Lok Sabha

December 17, 2024, 12:48 pm

Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal tabled the highly anticipated “One Nation, One Election” bill in the Lok Sabha during the ongoing Winter Session of Parliament. The move aims to synchronize elections across India, reducing the frequency of polls at various levels of government.

As the bill was introduced, opposition MPs raised slogans, expressing their dissent over the proposal. The winter session in New Delhi continues with discussions on key national issues.

Govt to Introduce One Nation, One Election Bill in Lok Sabha Today

December 17, 2024, 7:17 am

A bill proposing the introduction of simultaneous elections for the Lok Sabha and state assemblies, titled The Constitution (One Hundred and Twenty-Ninth Amendment) Bill, 2024, is set to be introduced in the Lok Sabha on Tuesday. The bill could be referred to a joint committee of both Houses for further deliberations.

The proposed one nation, one election initiative requires broad consensus as it also involves state and local elections. Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal is scheduled to present the bill in the Lok Sabha, and afterward, he may request Speaker Om Birla to send the bill to a Joint Committee of Parliament for wider consultations.

The bill, approved by the Cabinet last week, also seeks to align elections in union territories like Jammu and Kashmir, Puducherry, and the NCT of Delhi. However, the process for simultaneous elections is not expected to begin until 2034.

Key features of the bill include provisions that if a Lok Sabha or state assembly is dissolved before completing its full term, mid-term elections will be held only to complete the remainder of the term. The bill proposes amendments to Articles 82, 83, 172, and 327 to accommodate the changes.

The bill outlines that the amendments will come into effect after the 2029 general elections, with simultaneous elections expected to start in 2034. It also specifies that the tenure of the Lok Sabha and any legislative assembly elected after the appointed date will end simultaneously.

Opposition Criticism

The one nation, one election proposal has faced strong opposition from various political parties and activists who argue that it undermines democratic accountability. Congress MP Jairam Ramesh has demanded the bill be sent to a Joint Parliamentary Committee for further discussions, reiterating the party’s opposition. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and DMK leader MK Stalin described the bill as “draconian,” while CPI(M) Rajya Sabha member John Brittas argued that it goes against the federal spirit of the country.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee also condemned the bill, labeling it an “authoritarian imposition” and vowing that her party MPs would oppose it in Parliament.

Government’s Path Forward

To pass the bill, the government needs support from 361 MPs in the Lok Sabha, including those from non-aligned parties like YSR Congress Party (YSRCP), Biju Janata Dal (BJD), and AIADMK. In the Rajya Sabha, the government requires 154 MPs, with the NDA currently holding 114 seats.

BSP Chief Mayawati Urges Support for ‘One Nation, One Election’ Bills; Criticizes SP and Congress on Reservations

December 15, 2024, 5:02 pm

Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati on Sunday criticized the Congress and the Samajwadi Party (SP) for their stance on reservation policies, accusing them of colluding to oppose legislation that would provide quotas in promotions for Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST) during the Congress-led UPA government. Speaking at a press conference, she emphasized that these parties should refrain from discussing reservations given their past actions.

Mayawati expressed her support for the Central government’s bills on ‘one nation, one election,’ arguing that such measures would reduce expenses and ensure that public welfare initiatives continue without interruption. She called on other political parties to back this initiative.

BSP leader also demanded that reservations for SC, ST, and OBC

The BSP leader also demanded that reservations for SC, ST, and Other Backward Classes (OBC) be included in the Ninth Schedule of the Constitution to protect them from judicial review. “During discussions in the Lok Sabha, both the ruling party and the opposition, particularly the Congress and SP, have made many baseless claims regarding the reservation issue, which are devoid of truth,” she stated.

Mayawati lamented that the Congress and SP had previously opposed the Constitutional Amendment Bill related to reservations in promotions for SC and ST, recalling that the bill was torn and discarded by SP members in Parliament. She criticized the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for its “anti-reservation mentality,” suggesting that this attitude has hindered the passage of important legislation.

Reflecting on the recent discussions in Parliament regarding the “glorious journey of 75 Years of the Constitution of India,” Mayawati asserted that the Constitution’s effectiveness hinges on the ruling class’s ability to provide employment and justice to the citizens. She stated, “The Constitution has not failed; rather, the people and parties in power have failed it due to their narrow-mindedness and casteist politics.”

Mayawati further warned that any amendments to the Constitution aimed at benefiting a specific party or individual would face strong opposition from the BSP. She reiterated her party’s commitment to the poor and oppressed, welcoming the BJP government’s related bills on ‘one nation, one election.’

In conclusion, she urged all political parties to rise above partisan interests and work collaboratively for the benefit of the country and its citizens. The BSP has faced a steady decline in electoral support in recent years and currently holds only one Rajya Sabha seat in Parliament.

Lok Sabha Delays Introduction of ‘One Nation, One Election’ Bills

December 15, 2024, 11:42 am

The Lok Sabha has postponed the introduction of the ‘One Nation, One Election’ bills, which were initially scheduled for December 16, according to a revised list of business issued on Sunday. The two bills – the Constitution (129th Amendment) Bill and the Union Territories Laws (Amendment) Bill – were meant to be introduced on Monday, but have now been removed from the agenda.

The reason behind the delay remains unclear. However, government sources suggest that the bills may be introduced later this week, after the completion of financial business, including the discussion and passage of the first batch of supplementary demands for grants, which is set for Monday.

Despite the removal from Monday’s schedule, the government can still introduce the bills later through the ‘Supplementary List of Business’ with the Speaker’s permission.

The two bills, which aim to enable simultaneous elections for the Lok Sabha and state assemblies, were circulated to Members of Parliament last week as part of the parliamentary process. The current Winter Session of Parliament, which began on December 4, is scheduled to end on December 20.

One Nation, One Election: Constitutional Amendments Set Stage for 2034 Rollout

December 15, 2024, 9:00 am

The “One Nation, One Election” initiative took a significant step forward with the introduction of a constitutional amendment bill, which outlines the framework for holding simultaneous elections for the Lok Sabha and state assemblies. While the bill paves the way for synchronized polls, the actual implementation is not expected until 2034. The proposed amendments aim to align the terms of the Lok Sabha and state legislative assemblies, with the gradual synchronization set to begin after the 2029 general elections. The bill also includes provisions for mid-term elections in case of early dissolutions and extends to synchronizing elections in Union Territories.

Key Points:

Simultaneous Elections Delayed Until 2034
The much-discussed “One Nation, One Election” bill proposes a long-term plan for simultaneous Lok Sabha and state assembly elections, but actual implementation is not expected until 2034.
Amendments to the Constitution
The bill includes constitutional amendments and new articles aimed at synchronizing the terms of the Lok Sabha and state assemblies. This will enable simultaneous elections once fully implemented.
Lok Sabha and State Assemblies to Align by 2034
According to the provisions, after the 2029 Lok Sabha elections, simultaneous elections will begin in 2034. Until then, the terms of the Lok Sabha and state assemblies will gradually align, with mid-term elections held only for those legislatures that are dissolved early.

Details of the Bill:

The Constitution (One Hundred and Twenty-Ninth Amendment) Bill, 2024, which was approved by the Union Cabinet, sets the stage for simultaneous elections. The bill proposes key constitutional amendments to synchronize the terms of the Lok Sabha and state assemblies. These changes will come into effect after the appointed date, which will follow the 2029 Lok Sabha elections.

The amendments will lead to a system where all state legislative assemblies will complete their terms in alignment with the Lok Sabha, bringing all elections in the country together in 2034.

Simultaneous Elections: What Does the Bill Propose?

Article Amendments: The bill seeks to add Article 82(A) for simultaneous elections and amends Articles 83, 172, and 327. These amendments will allow Parliament to introduce measures to hold the elections together.
Term Alignment: If a state assembly or the Lok Sabha is dissolved before completing its full term, mid-term elections will be held only for that legislature. The new elections will have terms that end when the current Lok Sabha term expires.
Impact on Legislative Assemblies: Assemblies elected after the appointed date will follow a five-year term, ending with the Lok Sabha term.

Kovind Committee’s Recommendations Influence the Bill

The bill is based on recommendations from the Kovind Committee, which was set up in September 2023 to examine the feasibility of simultaneous elections. The committee recommended that the first stage should focus on aligning the elections for the Lok Sabha and legislative assemblies, including those in Union Territories like Delhi, Jammu and Kashmir, and Puducherry.

Amendments for Union Territories

Another bill, the Union Territories Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2024, will introduce amendments to synchronize elections for the legislative assemblies of Union Territories. This bill proposes changes to laws governing Delhi, Jammu and Kashmir, and Puducherry, ensuring that their elections are aligned with those of the Lok Sabha.

Next Steps and Timeline:

The One Nation, One Election bill is expected to be introduced in the Lok Sabha on Monday, paving the way for the necessary constitutional amendments.
Simultaneous Elections are slated to begin in 2034, but the legal framework and coordination for this shift will take several years to finalize.
The appointed date after the 2029 Lok Sabha elections will mark the beginning of gradual adjustments towards synchronizing the electoral terms.

‘One Nation, One Election’: Game-Changing Bill to Hit Parliament Soon

December 12, 2024, 2:47 pm

The Union Cabinet, headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved the ‘One Nation, One Election’ bill on Thursday. Reports suggest the bill, focused on introducing electoral reforms, will be presented in Parliament next week.

This is a developing story, Updates are awaited

Kharge Dismisses Modi’s Simultaneous Elections Proposal as “Impossible”

October 31, 2024, 4:07 pm

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge has rejected Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s proposal for simultaneous elections, deeming it “impossible.” Kharge’s remarks came shortly after the Prime Minister endorsed the concept during a speech in Gujarat’s Kevadia on National Unity Day, commemorating the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.

PM Modi’s Vision for ‘One Nation, One Election’

In his address, PM Modi emphasized that simultaneous polls would strengthen India’s democracy and optimize the use of resources. He reiterated, “We are now working towards One Nation, One Election… Today, India is moving towards One Nation, One Civil Code that is a Secular Civil Code.” The Prime Minister’s comments echoed his previous statements made during Independence Day celebrations.

Political Divisions on Simultaneous Polls

The proposal, which aims to hold both Lok Sabha and state assembly elections concurrently, has been strongly backed by the ruling BJP-led NDA coalition. However, it faces staunch opposition from Congress and other parties. Kharge stressed that for the initiative to move forward, PM Modi would need to gain consensus in Parliament, which he labeled as “impossible.”

Last month, the Union Cabinet approved a report by the Kovind committee on ‘One Nation, One Election,’ laying the groundwork for potential implementation. The committee, led by former President Ram Nath Kovind, submitted its findings in March to current President Droupadi Murmu.

Congress Opposes ‘One Nation, One Election’; Says It Can’t Work in a Democracy

September 18, 2024, 4:47 pm

The Congress party has voiced its opposition to the Union Cabinet’s decision to accept the recommendations of the high-level committee on ‘One Nation, One Election.’ Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge stated on Wednesday that holding simultaneous elections is incompatible with democratic principles.

“We don’t stand with this. One Nation, One Election cannot work in a democracy. Elections need to be held as and when required if we want our democracy to survive,” Kharge said, emphasizing the party’s stance.

Congress leader KC Venugopal further criticized the proposal, calling it impractical. “It is not practical in this country. They want to divert attention from present issues,” Venugopal remarked.

In response to these criticisms, Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw suggested that the opposition might be feeling internal pressure. “More than 80 percent of respondents who participated in the consultation process have given their positive support, especially the youth. They are very much in favor of this,” Vaishnaw stated during a media briefing.

The debate comes in the wake of the High-Level Committee on Simultaneous Elections, chaired by former President Ram Nath Kovind, submitting its report to President Droupadi Murmu earlier this year. The government noted that the report, totaling 18,626 pages, resulted from extensive consultations with stakeholders and experts over 191 days, following the committee’s formation on September 2, 2023.

Union Cabinet Greenlights ‘One Nation, One Election’ Report

September 18, 2024, 3:16 pm

In a significant move, the Union Cabinet approved the report from the high-level committee on the ‘One Nation, One Election’ initiative on Wednesday. Chaired by former President Ram Nath Kovind, the committee had submitted its findings in March, ahead of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.

The Cabinet’s swift approval follows the report’s presentation, which was part of the law ministry’s ambitious 100-day agenda. The committee has recommended implementing simultaneous elections for the Lok Sabha and state Assemblies as the initial step, followed by synchronized local body polls within 100 days.

The committee emphasized that conducting simultaneous elections would conserve resources, promote development and social cohesion, and strengthen the foundations of India’s democratic framework. They also proposed the establishment of an ‘Implementation Group’ to oversee the execution of these recommendations.

Additionally, the panel suggested that the Election Commission of India (ECI) collaborate with state election authorities to create a unified electoral roll and standardized voter ID cards. Currently, the ECI manages Lok Sabha and Assembly elections, while state election commissions are responsible for local body polls.

This initiative is poised to reshape India’s electoral landscape, aligning various election cycles to enhance governance and voter participation.

Kovind-Led Committee Submits ‘One Nation, One Election’ Report

March 14, 2024, 12:04 pm

The high-level committee, led by former president Ram Nath Kovind, presented its findings on the ‘one nation, one election’ initiative today. This morning, the report was submitted to President Droupadi Murmu.

The concept advocates for simultaneous elections nationwide, proposing to hold elections for both the Lok Sabha and all state assemblies simultaneously.

In India, general elections to select members of Parliament and state assembly polls are typically conducted separately, occurring when the tenure of the incumbent government concludes or is dissolved for any reason.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has long championed the idea of One Nation, One Election.

The remaining members of the committee, under Mr. Kovind’s leadership, include Home Minister Amit Shah, former leader of the opposition in the Rajya Sabha Ghulam Nabi Azad, former finance commission chairman N K Singh, former Lok Sabha secretary general Subhash Kashyap, and senior advocate Harish Salve.