Prime Minister Narendra Modi has proposed sending the One Nation, One Election Bill to a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) for detailed discussions. Union Home Minister Amit Shah confirmed this while addressing the Lok Sabha on Tuesday.
Shah stated that when the bill was taken up for approval in the cabinet, PM Modi emphasised the importance of comprehensive deliberations. He suggested that the bill be forwarded to a JPC to ensure an in-depth review. Shah remarked, “If the Law Minister is willing to send the bill to JPC, the discussion on its introduction can come to an end.”
Supporting the proposal, Union Minister of State for Law and Justice Arjun Ram Meghwal recommended the formation of a JPC to facilitate further dialogue on the matter. Meghwal highlighted that a High-Level Committee had already conducted extensive consultations regarding the proposal.
The One Nation, One Election Bill, which aims to synchronise elections for the Lok Sabha and state assemblies, has sparked intense debate among political leaders.
DMK MP T.R. Baalu strongly opposed the bill, calling it anti-federal in nature. Baalu emphasised, “I oppose the 129th Constitution Amendment Bill, 2024. As my leader M.K. Stalin has stated, the proposal curtails the electorate's right to elect a government for five years. Such a move undermines democratic values.”
Congress MP Manish Tewari also raised objections, citing constitutional concerns. He argued that the bill challenges the basic structure of the Constitution.
Tewari explained, “Federalism and democracy are essential features of the Constitution and lie beyond the amending power of the House. The proposed amendments are an absolute assault on the Constitution’s basic structure and fall outside the legislative competence of this House.”
Echoing similar sentiments, Samajwadi Party MP Dharmendra Yadav criticised the bill. He questioned the timing and intent behind the amendments, remarking, “Just two days ago, there were efforts to uphold the Constitution’s glorious tradition. Now, this bill has been introduced to weaken its spirit and structure. I fully support Manish Tewari’s views and reiterate that no one today is more learned than the makers of our Constitution.”
Earlier in the day, Union Law and Justice Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal introduced the Constitution (129th Amendment) Bill, 2024 in the Lok Sabha. The bill lays the groundwork for holding simultaneous elections across the country, bringing both the Lok Sabha and state assembly elections under a unified timeline.
In addition to this, Meghwal sought to introduce amendments to key legislative acts. These include the Government of Union Territories Act, 1963, the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi Act, 1991, and the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019.
The proposed changes aim to align elections in Delhi, Jammu and Kashmir, and Puducherry with the One Nation, One Election framework.
The One Nation, One Election proposal has remained a subject of widespread discussion.
Supporters argue that it will streamline electoral processes, reduce costs, and enhance governance efficiency. However, critics insist that it undermines federalism and dilutes the democratic right of citizens to elect governments at different intervals.
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