Updated:2024-12-13 03:26    Views:134

One nation One Election bill likely to be in Parliament session Photo: PTI One nation One Election bill likely to be in Parliament session Photo: PTI

The Centre is preparing to introduce the much- discussed 'One Country, One Election' Bill potentially in the current session of Parliament or the next, reports suggested on Monday.

Back on September 18, the Union Cabinet of the NDA government cleared the implementation of the debated 'One Nation, One Election' model. Reports had also emerged that the BJP-led government would implement the proposal before 2029.

In March 2024, a High-level Committee on Simultaneous Elections, chaired by former President Ram Nath Kovind, submitted its report to President Droupadi Murmu. 

As per media reports, in a bid to ensure thorough deliberation and establish consensus, the BJP-led Centre reportedly plans to send the bill to a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC).

The JPC in turn is expected to conduct detailed discussions with all political party representatives, emphasising the need for collective agreement on this transformative proposal. Besides, Centre is also planning to invite speakers of all state assemblies to share their views, alongside intellectuals, experts, and members of civil society. Furthermore, inputs from the general public will also be included,

ALSO READ | ‘One Nation, One Election’ Will Achieve Opposite Of What’s Needed

One Nation One Election: What is it?

The One Nation One Election model is aimed at nationwide synchronisation of electoral processes for the Lok Sabha and state assemblies. It has received cabinet approval based on the recommendations of the former President Ram Nath Kovind-led committee, signalling the government's commitment to advancing the proposal.

By addressing potential challenges and gathering diverse perspectives, the government hopes to achieve a national consensus on the initiative.

The concept of 'One Country, One Election' has been touted as a significant reform to reduce the costs and disruptions associated with frequent elections.

ALSO READ | One Nation, One Election Cleared: What Did The Kovind Committee Recommend?

While the government remains optimistic about securing widespread support, the proposal is expected to spark intense political debate, with opposition parties likely to raise concerns about its feasibility and impact on federalism.

The Kovind Committee report

The Kovind-led Committee recommended bringing state, local, and general elections under one phase by 2029. The report also said amendments to Articles of the Constitution would be required.

The report said the elections would be synced in two phases. To begin with, it suggests syncing the Lok Sabha and state Assembly elections. After that, the Panchayat and Municipality elections should be held within 100 days of the Lok Sabha and State elections, it added. The Committee has also said there needs to be a single electoral roll and Electoral Photo Identity Cards (EPIC) for General, state and local elections.

In a press release dated March 14, 2024, the PIB said the “Committee has crafted its recommendations in such a way that they are in accordance with the spirit of the Constitution of India and would require bare minimum amendments to the Constitution.”

ALSO READ | ‘One Nation, One Election’ Will Achieve Opposite Of What’s Needed

Opposition's reactions

Strongly criticising the electoral model, Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge arguing that it undermines democratic principles. "Elections need to be held as and when required if we want our democracy to survive," he stated firmly.

One Nation, One Election केवल ध्यान भटकाने का भाजपाई मुद्दा है।ये संविधान के ख़िलाफ़ है, ये लोकतंत्र के प्रतिकूल है, ये Federalism के विरूद्ध है।देश इसे कभी स्वीकार नहीं करेगा। pic.twitter.com/rFMFInrnNA

— Mallikarjun Kharge (@kharge) September 18, 2024

AAP leader Sandeep Pathak also dismissed the proposal as a "jumla" (false promise), questioning the BJP's ability to conduct simultaneous elections in states like Haryana and Jammu and Kashmir. “This is destined to flop,” he stated, urging the government to first demonstrate its capability by holding elections in Delhi alongside Maharashtra and Jharkhand.

RJD leader Mrityunjay Tiwari also asserted that the measure is an attempt to weaken regional parties. "This is not practical. It could lead to a constitutional crisis," he warned, emphasizing that decisions made without consultation with stakeholders are unlikely to hold merit.

JMM MP Mahua Maji accused the BJP of attempting to monopolize power by undermining regional parties. "They want only one party to rule the countrysuperace88," she alleged, citing recent political shifts as evidence of this strategy.

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