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Opposition Slams 'One Nation, One Election' Bills Tabled in Lok Sabha
Team Finance Saathi
17/Dec/2024
What's covered under the Article:
- The 'One Nation, One Election' bills were tabled in the Lok Sabha amid strong opposition protests.
- Opposition leaders, including Congress and Samajwadi Party, argue the bills attack the Constitution’s basic structure.
- The 'One Nation, One Election' proposal could be implemented by 2034, pending approval.
On December 17, 2024, Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal introduced the much-debated 'One Nation, One Election' Bills in the Lok Sabha, marking a significant step toward holding simultaneous elections for the Lok Sabha, State Assemblies, and local bodies. The bills, which were approved by the Modi-led Union Cabinet earlier in the week, include The Constitution (One Hundred and Twenty-Ninth Amendment) Bill, 2024 and The Union Territories Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2024.
However, the introduction of these bills has sparked intense protests from opposition parties, particularly those in the INDIA alliance. Leaders from Congress, Samajwadi Party (SP), Trinamool Congress (TMC), DMK, and IUML have raised strong objections, arguing that the bills undermine the basic structure of the Constitution and democracy.
Opposition's Response to the Bills:
Several opposition leaders took to the floor of the Lok Sabha to voice their dissent. Congress MP Manish Tewari strongly opposed the bills, calling them an "assault" on the Constitution, and argued that the term of state legislatures should not be subject to the Lok Sabha's term. He emphasized that these bills lacked legislative competency and had to be withdrawn, in line with the Basic Structure doctrine.
Echoing similar sentiments, Samajwadi Party MP Dharmendra Yadav questioned the government's sudden push for a Constitutional Amendment Bill, just two days after they had professed a commitment to saving the Constitution. He also aligned himself with Tewari's viewpoint, asserting that the makers of the Constitution were the most learned individuals and that their vision should not be undermined.
TMC MP Kalyan Banerjee further pointed out that the bills would drastically alter the relationship between the state legislatures and Parliament, making state assemblies subordinate to the central government. Banerjee also expressed concerns over the increased powers granted to the Election Commission of India (ECI), which, under the proposed laws, would have the authority to decide when and if elections would be held.
DMK MP TR Baalu criticized the timing of the bills, arguing that they could not be passed without a two-thirds majority in the house. He also raised concerns about the financial burden, suggesting that simultaneous elections would add to the public exchequer, contrary to government claims of cost-cutting.
Finally, IUML MP ET Basheer called the bills an attack on federalism, democracy, and the Constitution, reiterating the widespread opposition to the proposed changes.
What is the 'One Nation, One Election' Proposal?
The 'One Nation, One Election' initiative has been a long-standing goal of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). It aims to synchronize elections across India, beginning with the Lok Sabha and State Assembly elections. If passed, this proposal would ensure that elections are held at the same time, or at least in the same year, for all levels of governance.
Under the plan, local body elections, whether urban or rural, would follow the Lok Sabha and Assembly elections, to be held within 100 days. The government intends to gradually phase in this change, starting with the Lok Sabha and State Assembly elections. If the bills are approved without amendments, the 'One Nation, One Election' system could be implemented as early as 2034.
The proposal has been met with mixed reactions. Supporters argue that simultaneous elections will reduce the electoral burden, save money, and ensure stable governance. Critics, however, fear that it could lead to the weakening of state autonomy, centralization of power, and undermine the federal structure of the Indian political system.
The Winter Session of Parliament, which began on November 25, 2024, is set to conclude on December 20, 2024, making this week critical for the future of these bills. The bills will now be referred to a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC), following an intervention by Union Minister Amit Shah, for wider consultations.
The debate on these bills is expected to continue, as the opposition vows to challenge the government's attempt to reshape India's electoral system.