Congress leaders Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Manish Tewari, Sukhdeo Bhagat, and Randeep Surjewala are expected to represent their party in the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) tasked with examining the legislation on simultaneous polls, sources revealed today.
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Priyanka Gandhi Vadra has been vocal in her criticism of the proposed bills, labeling them "anti-constitutional" and a direct affront to the nation's federal structure. "It is against the federalism of our nation. We are opposing the bill," she stated firmly.
Meanwhile, the Trinamool Congress (TMC), led by Mamata Banerjee, has nominated Lok Sabha member Kalyan Banerjee and Rajya Sabha member Saket Gokhale as its representatives on the JPC.
Simultaneous Polls Bill Sparks Parliamentary Debate
The two bills outlining the framework for simultaneous assembly and general elections were introduced in the Lok Sabha on Tuesday, following heated exchanges between the opposition and the government. The Congress-led opposition bloc condemned the legislation as "anti-constitutional," raising concerns about its implications for federalism.
In response, Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal assured the House that the proposed law would not infringe upon the powers of state governments.
The introduction of the bills followed a division of votes, with 263 members voting in favor and 198 opposing. Opposition parties including the Congress, DMK, TMC, Samajwadi Party, NCP-SP, Shiv Sena (UBT), and AIMIM raised objections, citing potential threats to democratic principles and state autonomy.
Referral to JPC Amid Opposition Uproar
Amid the uproar, Union Home Minister Amit Shah informed the Lok Sabha that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had directed the Cabinet to refer the bills to a Joint Parliamentary Committee for a detailed review.
"Detailed discussions can take place in the JPC. The report of the JPC will be approved by the Cabinet. Then again, there will be a discussion on this (bills) in the House," Shah assured parliamentarians.
The legislation was introduced months after a high-level panel led by former President Ram Nath Kovind conducted consultations with various stakeholders, including political parties. While 32 parties reportedly supported the measure, 15 opposed it.
Future Course of Action
The JPC will now scrutinize the bills, paving the way for comprehensive deliberations on the feasibility, constitutional validity, and potential impact of implementing simultaneous elections. Its findings will play a crucial role in shaping the future discourse on this contentious issue, which has sharply divided political opinion across India.
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