Government Introduces ‘One Nation, One Election’ Bill Amid Strong Opposition in Lok Sabha
Union Law and Justice Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal introduced the Constitution (129th Amendment) Bill, 2024 in the Lok Sabha on Tuesday, paving the way for the implementation of the much-debated ‘One Nation, One Election’ initiative. The bill seeks to synchronize elections for the Lok Sabha and state assemblies, aiming to streamline the electoral process across the nation.
In addition to the constitutional amendment, Meghwal proposed changes to key legislations, including 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 and Kashmir, and Puducherry with the overarching plan of holding simultaneous elections.
The move, however, triggered strong objections from the opposition benches. Congress MP Manish Tewari took center stage, criticizing the bill for undermining the core values of the Constitution. Tewari contended that federalism and democracy form part of the Constitution’s basic structure, which, he argued, cannot be altered. He accused the government of overstepping its legislative competence, asserting, “The essential features of federalism are beyond the power of the House to amend. This bill is an assault on the basic structure of the Constitution.”
Earlier in the session, Tewari filed a formal notice opposing the bill’s introduction, raising concerns about its constitutional validity. He reiterated that the proposed amendments compromise the federal framework of India’s democracy, questioning the rationale behind the push for electoral uniformity.
The introduction of the bill has reignited a contentious debate within the Parliament and beyond. While the government views the proposal as a means to enhance administrative efficiency, reduce election costs, and prevent policy stagnation caused by frequent elections, critics argue that it poses a risk to the federal autonomy of states. The opposition maintains that simultaneous elections could centralize power and disrupt the delicate balance of India’s democratic and federal structure.
As the bill moves forward, the stage is set for a fierce political and constitutional debate, with both sides preparing for an intense parliamentary showdown over one of the most significant electoral reforms in recent years.
