One Nation, One Election Bill to Be Introduced in Lok Sabha Amidst Political Debate

The ongoing Winter Session of the Indian Parliament, which began on November 25, is now entering its final week and will continue until December 20. A key highlight of the session will be the introduction of the “One Nation, One Election” bill in the Lok Sabha, scheduled for today. Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal is set to present the bill, which aims to enable the simultaneous holding of Lok Sabha and state assembly elections.

This proposal, which also includes aligning elections for union territories like Jammu and Kashmir, Puducherry, and Delhi, was approved by the Cabinet last week. The bill aligns with the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) manifesto for the 2024 elections and enjoys the support of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. However, it has met with strong resistance from various political parties and activists who argue that it could undermine democratic accountability.

Following the introduction of the bill, Meghwal may request Speaker Om Birla to refer the legislation to a Joint Committee of Parliament for more in-depth consultations.

The Congress Party has issued a whip to its MPs in the Lok Sabha, requiring them to be present during the debate on the bill. The party’s MPs will also convene a meeting at 10:30 AM today to discuss the parliamentary agenda. Similarly, the Shiv Sena has instructed its members to attend the session.

Meanwhile, in the Rajya Sabha, a two-day debate on the Indian Constitution, marking its 75th anniversary, is ongoing. A similar debate was held in the Lok Sabha last week.