Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Other Congress Leaders Appointed to JPC for ‘One Nation, One Election’ Review
Congress leaders Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Manish Tewari, and Sukhdeo Bhagat have been appointed to the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) tasked with examining the contentious ‘One Nation, One Election’ Bill. The appointment follows the introduction of two key bills in the Lok Sabha on December 17, triggering heated debate and opposition criticism.
The Constitution (129th Amendment) Bill, 2024, and the Union Territories Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2024, aim to synchronize elections for the Lok Sabha and state assemblies. Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal, who introduced the bills, defended the legislation as a step toward efficiency in governance and cost reduction. However, Opposition leaders have labeled the proposal “dictatorial,” raising concerns over its potential to centralize power, weaken regional parties, and undermine India’s federal structure.
The Lok Sabha approved the introduction of the bills with 269 members voting in favor and 196 opposing. Critics argue that simultaneous elections could disproportionately benefit the ruling party and diminish the diversity of India’s democratic system. The JPC, formed to scrutinize the bills, is expected to navigate these contentious issues in detail.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah revealed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during a Cabinet meeting, personally recommended that the bills be referred to the JPC to ensure a thorough review. The move aims to address concerns raised by various stakeholders while pushing forward the government’s electoral reform agenda.
The debate over ‘One Nation, One Election’ has sharply divided political opinion. While proponents argue that concurrent elections will streamline governance, reduce election-related expenses, and minimize policy stagnation, opponents emphasize the risks to federalism and democratic diversity. As the JPC begins its work, the nation awaits its findings on one of India’s most debated electoral reforms.
