One Nation One Election / Bill related to 'ONOE' will be presented in Lok Sabha on Tuesday

One Nation One Election: A bill related to One Nation One Election will be introduced in the Lok Sabha on Tuesday, 17 December 2024 during the winter session of Parliament. This bill is one of the most ambitious agendas of the central government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Union Law Minister Arjun Meghwal will introduce the bill in the House.

The purpose of this bill is to make arrangements for holding elections to the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies simultaneously, which indicates a major change in the Indian election process.

What is the proposal of One Nation One Election?

One Nation One Election means that elections to the Lok Sabha and Legislative Assemblies should be held simultaneously across the country. This will not only reduce the cost of the electoral process but will also reduce the hindrance in governance and development work due to frequent elections.

The government has distributed copies of the bill to all the MPs so that they can study its provisions. The winter session of Parliament ends on December 20, so the government has only four days to get it passed.

Parliament's process on the bill

According to sources, after the Constitution Amendment Bill is introduced, it can be sent to the Joint Committee of both the Houses. This bill seeks amendment in many constitutional provisions, as under the current system, Lok Sabha and Assembly elections are held at different times.

However, there is no clarity regarding the conduct of local body elections. Guidelines may be issued by the government in future regarding this.

Opposition's stance and concerns

While the ruling party is calling this initiative the need of the hour, the opposition parties are strongly opposing it.

Impact on federal structure: Many parties including DMK and Trinamool Congress say that this move can weaken the federal structure of India.

Impact on regional parties: The opposition believes that holding simultaneous elections will limit the role of regional parties and the center will have more control over power.

Democratic diversity: Critics say that this model cannot be practical in a diverse country like India.

Ruling party's argument

The BJP and its allies say that One Nation One Election will:

Reduce costs: The huge cost of holding elections repeatedly will be saved.

Improvement in governance: Development work will not be interrupted repeatedly due to the implementation of the election code of conduct.

Political stability: Simultaneous elections across the country will establish administrative stability and better coordination.

What will be the next step?

After the bill is introduced, its provisions are likely to be debated extensively in Parliament. This will require constitutional amendment, in which a two-thirds majority in both houses is necessary.

Conclusion

The One Nation One Election can bring a historic change in the Indian electoral system. However, constitutional, political and practical challenges will have to be resolved to implement it. Building a consensus on this between the ruling and the opposition may be a difficult task. The next few days will decide the future of this bill and the direction of Indian democracy.