On December 17, 2024, the Indian Parliament witnessed the introduction of the controversial 'One Nation, One Election' (ONOE) bill, aimed at synchronizing national and state elections. Supported by 269 members of the Lok Sabha and opposed by 196, the bill’s introduction sets the stage for intense parliamentary deliberations.
The initiative, proposed by the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), seeks to hold simultaneous elections for both the Lok Sabha and all state assemblies. Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal emphasized the bill's intent to alleviate electoral fatigue and improve governance efficiency. According to Meghwal, "The bill follows constitutional principles and does not harm India’s democracy.”
Nevertheless, the proposal has faced vehement opposition, particularly from the INDIA bloc, comprising various opposition parties. Critics argue it poses a threat to India’s federal structure and disregards local electoral issues. “The bills moved by the Minister of Law and Justice are an absolute assault on the basic structure of the Constitution,” warned Congress MP Manish Tewari.
The government’s legislative efforts, marked by the introduction of the Constitution (129th Amendment) Bill along with the Union Territories Amendment Bill, were discussed during the Lok Sabha's session. The bills have been described as ‘dictatorial’ by the opposition, reflecting deep political divides over the future of electoral processes in India.
One prominent supporter of the ONOE initiative is BJP MP Hema Malini, who highlighted the challenges created by frequent elections. She remarked, “If elections are held only once, then the money saved can be used for different purposes like education and health...” This perspective reflects broader concerns over the resources consumed by repeated electoral cycles and interruptions to governance.
Despite the strong support from the ruling party, the ONOE initiative lacks the complete backing needed for constitutional amendments. The opposition has pointed out the government failed to secure the necessary two-thirds majority for passage, raising questions about the legitimacy of pushing forward with such significant legislative changes.
Article 368 of the Indian Constitution states, "An amendment of this Constitution may be initiated only by the introduction of a Bill for the purpose..." It requires not just support from those present, but also two-thirds of the total membership for constitutional alterations. The current dynamics of the Lok Sabha, with BJP holding 293 seats but requiring 362 votes for effective passage, indicate the challenges the ruling party faces.
Meanwhile, the legislation has also drawn attention to the attendance of BJP MPs during the bill's introduction. Notable absences, including Union Ministers Nitin Gadkari, Jyotiraditya Scindia, and Giriraj Singh, sparked consequences within the party. Reports suggest the BJP will issue notices to absent MPs, reminding them of the three-line whip directing them to attend the bill's introduction.
“This right cannot be curtailed with simultaneous elections,” stated DMK MP TR Baalu, reinforcing opposition arguments against the ONOE bill’s potential ramifications on local governance. Critics argue the proposed system might overshadow regional issues, favoring national concerns, as many states currently function with different electoral timelines.
The fate of the ONOE proposal now rests with the formation of a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC), which will analyze the bills clause by clause and seek public feedback as per the government's directive. This committee, expected to consist of 31 members with 21 from the Lok Sabha and 10 from the Rajya Sabha, must be finalized swiftly to prevent the bill from lapsing when the current session concludes.
With 90 days allocated for the JPC's deliberations, and potential extensions contingent on their recommendations, the political sensitivity around ‘One Nation, One Election’ remains palpable. Even as the ruling BJP pushes forth with this ambitious reform, the pursuit of electoral consensus and respect for India's democratic frameworks will be tested.
Should the ONOE bills pass through Parliament, they will be sent to the President for assent before becoming law. The path forward is fraught with both political hurdles and constitutional debates, reflecting the complex interplay between governance, federalism, and representative democracy throughout India.
