In a groundbreaking move, the Lok Sabha, India's lower house of Parliament, used electronic voting for the first time on December 17 to vote on the highly contentious 'One Nation One Election' bill. This marks a historic step towards modernizing the country's legislative processes and streamlining elections. The electronic voting system is expected to improve efficiency, transparency, and accountability in the democratic process, paving the way for more significant reforms in the future.
The Modi government's proposal for One Nation One Election has sparked a heated debate in parliament, with supporters advocating for simultaneous elections while opponents argue it will undermine federalism. As the bill is introduced and voted on in the Lok Sabha, watch as panelists and top legal minds weigh in on the potential consequences of this controversial election reform.
The Indian government has taken the first step towards implementing simultaneous elections for the Lok Sabha and state Assemblies, also known as "One Nation, One Election." The proposed amendments include synchronizing the terms of Lok Sabha and state Assemblies, facilitating mid-term elections, and leaving out municipal elections for now. This move aligns with the recommendations of the High-Level Committee on One Nation, One Election led by former President Ram Nath Kovind. To pass in Parliament, the Constitutional amendment will require a "special majority" in both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha.
Union Law and Justice Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal introduced the 129th Constitutional Amendment Bill, implementing 'One Nation, One Election' in Lok Sabha. However, opposition leaders, including Congress MP's Manish Tewari and Gaurav Gogoi, raised objections to the Bill, stating that the Parliament does not have the competence to pass such a legislation. Despite the opposition, the Bill was passed with a majority and the House was adjourned till later in the day. Interestingly, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had suggested sending the Bill to the Joint Parliamentary Committee for further consultation when it was first approved by the Union Cabinet.
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.
The ruling BJP government's proposal to synchronize national and state elections has sparked heated debate in the Lok Sabha. Despite backing from three ally parties, the bill is facing strong criticism from opposition leaders who argue that it goes against the country's democratic principles and threatens to create a dictatorship. Introduced by Union Law Minister Arjun Meghwal, the bill is expected to be referred to a joint committee before moving forward.
The highly anticipated 'One Nation, One Election' Bill, which proposes simultaneous elections for Lok Sabha and state assemblies, is set to be introduced in the Parliament. The Cabinet approved the Bill in December, but it has sparked a heated debate between the ruling and Opposition parties. While the BJP and its allies are in favor of the Bill, several Opposition parties, including Congress and TMC, are against it. The panel, headed by former President Ram Nath Kovind, recommended implementing the Bill in two phases, causing further controversy.
In a move that could transform the country's electoral process, the Union Cabinet has given its approval to the 'One Nation, One Election' legislation, which aims to hold simultaneous elections for the Lok Sabha and state assemblies. The bill, which is expected to be introduced in the ongoing winter session of Parliament, has been met with pushback from the Opposition, with many parties expressing concerns about its potential impact on regional parties. However, the government remains determined to move forward with its core ideological agenda, and will also launch a public campaign to garner support for the legislation. The success of this initiative will ultimately depend on the government's ability to address concerns and build consensus among all political stakeholders.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently released the BJP's manifesto for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls, entitled "Sankalp Patra" or "Promise Document". The manifesto includes promises for a developed and empowered India, with focuses on economic growth, infrastructural development, and social reform. These promises include implementing the Citizenship Amendment Act, enacting a Uniform Civil Code, and working towards the One Nation, One Election initiative. The BJP also vows to strengthen institutions such as IITs, IIMs, and AIIMS.
In a media interaction, National Conference Vice President Omar Abdullah expressed support for the idea of "One Nation, One Election" in Jammu and Kashmir. He also mentioned former President Ram Nath Kovind's recommendations in favor of the concept and urged the Election Commission to announce simultaneous Lok Sabha and Assembly elections. He further clarified that he is not a part of the People's Alliance for Gupkar Declaration and that the decision to announce candidates for the Lok Sabha elections rests with the National Conference. Additionally, he wished for peace and prosperity during the ongoing holy month of Ramadan.