Livestream of the 2024 Parliament Session: Arjun Ram Meghwal, the Union Minister for Law and Justice, advanced the “One Nation, One Election” campaign on Tuesday by introducing the Constitution (129th Amendment) Bill, 2024 in the Lok Sabha. This program aims to align the country’s state assembly elections with the Lok Sabha elections. Additionally, Meghwal suggested changes to the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act of 2019, the Government of Union Territory Act of 1963, and the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi Act of 1991. With these modifications, the assembly elections in Delhi, Jammu and Kashmir, and Puducherry should be in line with the suggested framework for simultaneous elections.
Manish Tewari, a member of Congress, opposed the bill, claiming it attacked the fundamental framework of the Constitution. He maintained that the Constitution’s fundamental elements of federalism and democracy are unchangeable by Parliament. Dharmendra Yadav, a member of the Samajwadi Party, also expressed his party’s strong objection to the measure, calling it a step that goes against the framers’ intent.
The recommendations of a high-level committee led by former President Ram Nath Kovind were accepted by the Union Cabinet in September. The committee suggested holding simultaneous elections in two stages: first, holding elections for the state legislature and Lok Sabha at the same time, and then holding elections for local bodies within 100 days of the federal elections. Additionally, the committee suggested that all elections use the same voter list.
A number of opposition politicians, notably those from the Congress and the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), have expressed their opposition to the government’s push. They contend that the measure threatens the nation’s democratic underpinnings and federal framework. It is anticipated that Parliament will continue to discuss the bill.
“One Nation, One Election” is an initiative with the goal of lowering the country’s frequency of elections by synchronizing elections for both the Lok Sabha (India’s Parliament) and State Assemblies। This idea aims to improve administrative efficiency, reduce disruption caused by repeated elections, and reduce expenditure associated with elections। By conducting simultaneous elections, the policy aims to allow governments to concentrate more on governance and policy-making instead of being in a continuous cycle of election campaigns। Nevertheless, the concept raises questions regarding its implementation, possible effects on federalism, and the logistical difficulties of aligning electoral terms across different states।
