Key Highlights:
- Constitutional Overhaul: The government is set to introduce the 129th Constitution Amendment Bill and a second bill amending Union Territory laws.
- Opposition’s Divided Stand: While major Congress leaders remain silent, Akhilesh Yadav and Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah oppose the proposal.
- Union Cabinet Approval: The proposal for ‘One Nation, One Election’ received a green signal on December 12.
- Possible Implementation: Simultaneous elections may be executed by 2029, requiring widespread constitutional amendments and legislative alignment.
New Delhi: The central government is advancing its ambitious agenda of ‘One Nation, One Election’ (ONOE), a proposal that seeks to synchronize Lok Sabha and state Assembly elections across the country. Amid debates and divided political opinions, Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal is set to introduce the 129th Constitution Amendment Bill in the Lok Sabha on Monday, alongside another bill focusing on Union Territory laws.
The push for ONOE comes after the Kovind Committee, constituted to examine the proposal, submitted its report, followed by the Union Cabinet’s approval on December 12, 2024.
Key Features of the 129th Constitution Amendment Bill
The bill aims to introduce one new Article and amend three existing Articles of the Constitution. It seeks to align election schedules across the country, ensuring simultaneous polls for the Lok Sabha, state Assemblies, and local bodies. To achieve consensus, the government is expected to send the bill to a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) for broader discussions involving state Assembly Speakers, party leaders, and other stakeholders.
Opposition Remains Divided
The political landscape around ONOE remains unclear. While key Congress leaders have refrained from taking a definitive stand, prominent voices like Akhilesh Yadav and Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah have opposed the proposal. Meanwhile, sources indicate that the government is keen to avoid controversies and intends to foster consensus by engaging with all parties and intellectuals nationwide.
Second Bill: Focus on Union Territories and Statehood for Jammu & Kashmir
The second bill seeks to amend three key laws governing Union Territories:
- The Government of Union Territories Act, 1963
- The Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi Act, 1991
- The Jammu and Kashmir Reorganization Act, 2019
A significant provision in this bill proposes restoring full statehood to Jammu and Kashmir, a move likely to spark intense political discussions.
Challenges in Implementing ‘One Nation, One Election’
The proposal’s implementation requires significant constitutional amendments, many of which can bypass state Assembly approval. However, introducing a single electoral roll and single voter ID system will need consent from more than half of the states.
Key milestones include:
- Aligning state Assembly terms, which might require extending or curtailing the tenure of several Assemblies.
- Holding elections in 25 states by December 2026 for synchronization.
The Kovind Committee’s report, expected to be reviewed by the Law Commission, suggests simultaneous polls could realistically commence from 2029, provided consensus is achieved.
Historical Context: Synchronous Elections in India
India practiced simultaneous elections in 1952, 1957, 1962, and 1967, until political crises led to premature dissolution of state Assemblies, disrupting the schedule. ONOE seeks to revive this model, aiming to reduce election expenditure, enhance governance efficiency, and prevent frequent electoral disruptions.
What Lies Ahead?
With critical bills awaiting parliamentary debate, the government’s ONOE initiative is at a pivotal juncture. The success of the proposal hinges on building consensus among political parties, amending constitutional provisions, and aligning legislative frameworks. If realized, ONOE could mark a transformative shift in India’s democratic and electoral processes, though challenges remain in achieving this monumental reform.
