Union Home Minister Amit Shah's fiery address at the Rajya Sabha revealed the Congress party's hypocritical stance towards the Constitution of India, as he slammed the party for their past actions of appeasement politics and manipulation of the Constitution for their own gain. He also highlighted the ruling government's efforts towards fulfilling their poll promises through landmark bills such as ONOP, which aims to synchronise the tenures of the Lok Sabha and State Assembly elections. Opposition leaders, however, have voiced their disapproval, labelling the move as an attack on the democratic process.
One Nation, One Election: A Comprehensive Overview
Background
The concept of One Nation, One Election (ONOP) has been debated in India for several decades. The idea is to synchronize the terms of the Lok Sabha (lower house of parliament) and state assemblies to allow for simultaneous elections. This would reduce the frequency of elections and potentially save billions of dollars in electoral expenses.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah's Statement
On December 16, 2022, Union Home Minister Amit Shah introduced the ONOP Bill in the Rajya Sabha (upper house of parliament). Shah argued that the bill would streamline the electoral process and address the issue of multiple elections being held at different times. He also accused the Congress party of manipulating the Constitution for their political gains.
Opposition's Concerns
Opposition parties have criticized the ONOP Bill, claiming that it could undermine the federal structure of the Indian Constitution. They argue that simultaneous elections would reduce accountability of state governments and deprive voters of a chance to express their preferences at the state level.
Salient Features of the ONOP Bill
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are the potential benefits of ONOP?
What are the concerns raised by the opposition?
Has ONOP been implemented in other countries?
Is ONOP constitutional?
When is the ONOP Bill expected to become law?
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Isherpreet Singh Sidhu, the National Students' Union of India Punjab President, strongly denounces the arrest of Karanveer Singh for peacefully protesting at the Panjab University Bachao Morcha and the alleged manhandling by SHO Narinder. Sidhu considers this a violation of democratic principles and a tactic used to suppress the voices of Punjab's youth. He demands immediate and strict action against the police officer and urges higher authorities to intervene and ensure justice for the students. The NSUI Punjab stands in solidarity with the students, emphasizing the need to respect their voices and empower them.
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