One Nation, One Election Bill to be Presented in Lok Sabha Tomorrow: Key Details and What It May Imply for India's Future Elections
The "One Nation, One Election" Bill is one of the most significant political reforms proposed by the Indian government, scheduled to be presented in the Lok Sabha on Tuesday. This new legislation would hold the Lok Sabha and state assemblies at the same time, which in turn would simplify the electoral process and reduce the frequency of elections. The bill is expected to give a complete new face-lift to India's election landscape. The Constitution (One Hundred and Twenty-Ninth Amendment) Bill was scheduled to be introduced today by Union Law Minister Arjun Meghwal.
The core of the bill aims at bringing the elections of various legislative bodies in the country in line. The Union Cabinet had cleared the proposal a fortnight ago. BJP and its allies supported it, but several other political parties, including Congress, Trinamool Congress, and the DMK, opposed it very vocally. They say this would affect federalism and the autonomy of the state governments.
The "One Nation, One Election" bill is a product of recommendations made by a high-level committee, chaired by former President Ram Nath Kovind. The committee's report outlines a phased approach to implementing simultaneous elections. In the first phase, elections for the Lok Sabha and state assemblies will be held at the same time. Elections of local bodies, including panchayat and municipalities, would be held within 100 days of the general elections in the second phase. It is expected that this move will streamline governance and also ensure that all the costs and resources associated with election are put to better use.
Although the ruling party has given its nod to the bill, the implementation of this bill remains controversial. Its opponents claim that this could dilute the focus on local issues and result in undue advantage for national parties in state elections.
