The Indian Parliament witnessed a heated debate on Tuesday as the government introduced two bills proposing "One Nation, One Election", or simultaneous elections for both the Lok Sabha and state assemblies. While the Opposition criticized the bills for infringing upon the federal structure, the government defended its decision and sent the bills to a Joint Parliamentary Committee for further discussion. This marked the first use of electronic voting in the new Parliament House. The bills also include amendments to align assembly elections in Delhi, Jammu and Kashmir, and Puducherry with the proposed changes.
One Nation, One Election: Moving Towards Simultaneous Polls in India
Background
The concept of "One Nation, One Election" (ONE) has been debated in India for several years. It proposes holding elections for the Lok Sabha (lower house of Parliament) and all state assemblies simultaneously, instead of the staggered elections currently held.
The main objective of ONE is to reduce the cost and disruption caused by multiple elections, which often lead to a prolonged period of election campaigning. It also aims to align the tenure of the central and state governments, enabling better coordination and policy implementation.
Recent Developments
On December 9, 2019, the Indian government introduced two bills in Parliament to implement ONE. The bills, the Constitution (Amendment) Bill, 2019, and the Representation of the People (Amendment) Bill, 2019, propose amendments to the Constitution and electoral laws to facilitate simultaneous elections.
The bills were met with strong opposition from the Opposition, which argued that they would undermine the federal structure of the country. The Opposition also raised concerns about the impact on regional parties and the representation of diverse interests.
However, the government defended the bills, stating that they would promote stability, reduce expenditure, and strengthen democracy. It also sent the bills to a Joint Parliamentary Committee for further discussion.
FAQs
1. What is the main benefit of ONE? Reducing the cost and disruption caused by multiple elections.
2. How would ONE affect the tenure of state governments? It would align the tenure of central and state governments, enabling better coordination and policy implementation.
3. What are the arguments against ONE? Opponents argue that it would undermine the federal structure and reduce the representation of diverse interests.
4. Is ONE a new concept in India? No, the idea has been debated for several years. However, it has not been implemented yet.
5. What is the current status of the ONE bills? The bills have been introduced in Parliament and sent to a Joint Parliamentary Committee for further discussion.
Conclusion
The debate over ONE is likely to continue as the Joint Parliamentary Committee examines the bills and seeks public feedback. The eventual outcome of this process will determine whether India adopts simultaneous elections for the Lok Sabha and state assemblies.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his admiration and respect for Babu Jagjivan Ram on his birth anniversary, highlighting the former Deputy Prime Minister's tireless efforts in fighting for the rights of the underprivileged and his contributions to the nation's progress. In a video message, PM Modi also recalled Jagjivan Ram's role in the 1971 India-Pakistan war, stating that he was a strong advocate for a democratic and powerful India. This tribute serves as a reminder of the legacy and impact of Babu Jagjivan Ram's lifelong struggle for social justice and equality.
Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge strongly urged the government to begin the decadal census, last done in 2011, and the caste census without any further delay. He pointed out that the government's decision to indefinitely postpone the census will have serious consequences. Kharge also highlighted the importance of census data in shaping policies and welfare programs and demanded that other castes be included in the census besides the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes. He urged the government to take urgent action as this delay is leaving millions of people out of welfare schemes and hindering effective decision-making.
On the occasion of National Maritime Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to social media to express his appreciation for India's rich maritime history and the crucial role it plays in nation-building. He also reaffirmed the government's commitment to further strengthening the maritime sector and ports for the progress of the country.
The Karnataka High Court has denied interim relief to social media giant X Corp in its petition challenging the government's new content-blocking mechanism. X Corp argued that the mechanism, set up through the Sahyog portal, does not comply with the safeguards mandated by Section 69A of the Information Technology Act. The Court has posted the matter for final hearing in April and has urged both parties to comply with Indian law.
Amidst a series of incidents involving MNS activists resorting to violence against non-Marathi speakers, party chief Raj Thackeray has declared a revival of the party's "Mi Marathi" campaign. The ruling Mahayuti and opposition MVA parties have remained cautious in their reactions, with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis stating that demanding Marathi in Maharashtra is not wrong but violence will not be tolerated. While the BJP is reportedly backing the MNS for the upcoming BMC polls, former NCP minister believes it is a ploy to weaken the Shiv Sena-led alliance. The MNS, which has been struggling in the state elections, has found an opportunity to regain political relevance under Thackeray's leadership.
The Waqf Amendment Bill 2025 was passed by Parliament after a 13-hour long debate in the Rajya Sabha. The government hailed it as a "historic reform" for the benefit of the minority community, while the opposition criticized it as "anti-Muslim" and "unconstitutional". The revised bill, which aims to enhance the management and registration process of waqf properties, was approved by both Houses of Parliament and awaits presidential assent to become law. The Union Minority Affairs Minister noted that the Joint Parliamentary Committee's consultation process for this bill was the largest in India's democratic history, receiving over 97 lakh petitions and opinions from various stakeholders.
In a surprising turn of events, the ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD) allowed its seven Rajya Sabha MPs to vote their conscience instead of following the party whip, resulting in the passage of the controversial Waqf (Amendment) Bill in the Upper House. The final tally of 128 in favour and 95 against exposes divisions within the Opposition, with some parties raising concerns about the bill's potential impact on minority communities. BJD's decision to allow a free vote was driven by the party's sensitivity towards various sections of the minority community.
After Rajya Sabha passed the Waqf Amendment Bill with 128 votes in favour and 95 opposing it, JDU Minority Secretary Shah Nawaz Malik resigned from the party and other posts in protest against the party's stand on the bill. He stated that the party's support for the bill was a betrayal of Indian Muslims and went against their belief in the party's secular ideology. The bill, which aims to enhance the administration and management of waqf properties, is facing widespread opposition from the minority community, with the Grand Mufti of Jammu and Kashmir, Mufti Nasir-ul-Islam, calling it anti-Muslim and stating that the community is planning to challenge it in the Supreme Court.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin has declared that his political party, the DMK, will challenge the recently passed Waqf Bill in the Supreme Court. The CM condemned the passing of the amendment at 2 am, alleging pressure from a few allies, despite opposition from most parties in India. He also highlighted that the state Assembly has already passed a resolution opposing the amendment, and that a case will be filed in the Supreme Court on behalf of the DMK. The Waqf Bill seeks to improve the administration and management of waqf properties in India, but its passing has been met with criticism and opposition.
The Lok Sabha was in session until the early hours of the morning, debating and passing important bills. However, amidst the proceedings, the government initiated a short discussion on the proclamation of President's Rule in Manipur at 2 AM which lasted only 41 minutes. The Opposition was surprised and protested, but the Speaker allowed the discussion to continue. Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, in his speech, highlighted the failures of the government in maintaining law and order in Manipur and questioned the timing and necessity of the President's Rule.