Introduction of the One Nation, One Election Bill in Lok Sabha

 The government is set to introduce The Constitution (One Hundred and Twenty-Ninth Amendment) Bill, 2024, in the Lok Sabha on Tuesday, proposing simultaneous elections for the Lok Sabha and state legislative assemblies. This bill, listed under the parliamentary agenda, seeks to align elections nationwide under the "One Nation, One Election" initiative and aims to include the union territories of Jammu and Kashmir, Puducherry, and the National Capital Territory of Delhi.

As per parliamentary procedures, Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal is expected to move the bill for introduction and request Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla to refer it to a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) for detailed discussions.

Key Provisions of the Bill 

Simultaneous Elections: The bill introduces Article 82(A) and proposes amendments to Articles 83, 172, and 327 of the Constitution, facilitating synchronized elections across the Lok Sabha and state legislatures.

Mid-term Elections: If the Lok Sabha or a state assembly is dissolved mid-term, elections will be held only to complete the remainder of the original five-year tenure.

Effective Timeline: The provisions will take effect on an "appointed date" notified by the President after the next general elections in 2029. Simultaneous elections are expected to commence in 2034.

Unified Tenure: After implementation, the Lok Sabha’s five-year term will determine the concurrent tenure of all legislative assemblies elected thereafter.

Opposition and Criticism

While the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has championed the proposal as a means to streamline governance and reduce electoral expenditure, the bill has faced vehement opposition from various political parties and activists, who argue that it undermines democracy and federalism.

Congress Party: Congress MP Jairam Ramesh criticized the bill, calling for its referral to the JPC for thorough scrutiny. Last year, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge had already voiced the party's opposition to the proposal in a detailed letter to the committee on One Nation, One Election.

Regional Leaders: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and DMK leader M.K. Stalin labeled the bill as "draconian" and accused the government of attempting to "erase regional voices and erode federalism." Similarly, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee condemned the bill as an "authoritarian imposition" and vowed her party’s opposition in Parliament.

Left Parties: CPI(M) MP John Brittas argued that the move is against the federal structure of the Constitution and would centralize power to the detriment of regional interests.

Parliamentary Support Needed

Given the constitutional nature of the bill, it requires a two-thirds majority in both Houses of Parliament. In the Lok Sabha, the government will need the support of 361 MPs, and in the Rajya Sabha, 154 MPs must back the bill.

While the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) has a strong presence, the government may need support from non-aligned parties such as the YSR Congress Party, Biju Janata Dal, and AIADMK to secure the required majority.

Moving Forward

The introduction of the "One Nation, One Election" bill marks a significant legislative push toward electoral reforms, but its journey through Parliament will be contentious. With critics raising concerns over its impact on democratic accountability and federal governance, the debate around the bill promises to be one of the most polarizing of recent times.