The government has listed two bills related to “one nation, one election” for introduction in the Lok Sabha on Monday. Union Law Minister Meghwal will introduce The Constitution (129th Amendment) Bill and The Union Territories Laws (Amendment) Bill in the Lower House.
The ruling BJP took a major step towards implementing its key plank of “one nation, one election” on Thursday as the Union Cabinet headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi approved the constitutional amendment bill to roll out the concept of simultaneous Lok Sabha and state assembly polls.
The BJP has issued a three-line whip for its MPs to attend Parliament on December 13-14, 2024, as important legislative business, including the “One Nation, One Election” bill, will be discussed. Former President Ram Nath Kovind emphasized the need for consensus, believing the initiative could boost India’s GDP by 1-1.5%.
Two draft legislations, including one simple bill to amend provisions in laws dealing with three Union territories with legislative assemblies to align them with the Constitution amendment bill, were given the nod by the Cabinet. The proposed constitutional amendment bill would deal with making provisions for holding Lok Sabha and state legislative assembly elections together.
The Union Cabinet approved the “One Nation, One Election” bill, aiming to hold simultaneous Lok Sabha and State Assembly elections. Supporters cite cost savings, improved efficiency, and higher voter turnout. However, critics worry about national issues overshadowing local concerns and potential misuse of power.
While a high-level committee led by former president Ram Nath Kovind on simultaneous polls had also proposed holding municipality and panchayat elections along with the national and state elections in a phased manner, the Cabinet has decided to stay away, “as of now”, from the manner in which local body elections are conducted.
