Modi govt to table controversial ‘One Nation, One Election’ Bill in Parliament

The Narendra Modi-led Union cabinet is set to table the contentious ‘One Nation, One Election’ Bill during the ongoing winter session of Parliament. The proposed legislation, aimed at synchronising elections for the Lok Sabha, state assemblies, and local bodies, is expected to be referred to a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) for further scrutiny, political watchers believe.

The ‘One Nation, One Election’ initiative envisions a unified electoral calendar across India to reduce the frequency and cost of conducting polls. The Union cabinet approved the phased implementation of the recommendations in September this year. PM Modi hailed the decision of the cabinet.

The ruling BJP has issued a three-line whip to all its MPs, instructing them to be present in the House on December 13 and 14 for discussions on important legislative business. This has sparked speculation that the Bill might be tabled during these dates.

A high-level committee, chaired by former President Ram Nath Kovind, was tasked with exploring the feasibility of holding simultaneous elections for the Lok Sabha, state assemblies, and local bodies in a phased manner, following a comprehensive consensus-building exercise across the country

The Kovind committee, in its 18,626-page report, underscored the necessity of constitutional amendments to enable the implementation of simultaneous polls.

Key recommendations of the Kovind committee

1. Two-phase polls: Conducting elections in two phases to streamline logistical and administrative challenges.

2. Constitutional amendments: Amending articles 83 and 172 to align the terms of the Lok Sabha and state assemblies, alongside changes to three other articles.

3. Consensus building: Urging the Union government to foster political consensus, as the initiative transcends party lines.

According to sources, the proposed Bill aims to amend Article 82A of the Constitution by adding a sub-clause (1) defining the 'appointed date' and introducing sub-clause (2) to ensure the simultaneous conclusion of the terms of the Lok Sabha and state legislative assemblies.

The bill also proposes amendments to Article 83(2), along with the insertion of new sub-clauses (3) and (4), to address the duration and dissolution of the Lok Sabha.

Additionally, it includes provisions for the dissolution of state legislative assemblies and proposes an amendment to Article 327 to incorporate the term "simultaneous elections."

The proposal has garnered mixed reactions from political parties and civil society stakeholders. While proponents argue it will reduce election-related expenditure and ensure consistent governance, critics have raised concerns about its feasibility and implications for federalism. Key apprehensions include:

• Operational complexity: Managing logistics and security for simultaneous elections in a country as diverse and populous as India.

• Federal concerns: Potential erosion of state autonomy in a centralised electoral framework.

• Legal hurdles: Amending multiple Constitutional provisions and aligning state election schedules with national timelines.

Opposition parties have called the initiative an attempt by the BJP to consolidate power, citing apprehensions about the dilution of regional voices in a synchronised electoral model.

The winter session of Parliament, which commenced on 25 November and runs until 20 December, provides a crucial window for the Modi government to push the Bill forward. Political analysts view the move as part of a broader strategy to set the stage for a nationwide debate on electoral reforms.

If the Bill clears Parliamentary scrutiny, it could mark the beginning of a profound shift. However, the government faces an arduous task of addressing Opposition concerns, building a national consensus, and ensuring seamless implementation.

The Bill’s fate will depend on its reception in Parliament and the broader political discourse it sparks in the coming weeks. As the debate unfolds, the ‘One Nation, One Election’ initiative will test not only the Modi government’s legislative acumen but also its ability to navigate India’s complex political landscape.

Reacting to it, Congress MP K. Suresh said, "If the government wants to pass the One Nation One Election Bill, they should invite all political parties and state governments also since it is a national issue. Some consensus should be arrived at. But the government is going to introduce the Bill without any discussion with the states and political parties. From the beginning, our stand on One Nation One Election has been clear. The government should explain why they want the Bill."

"If there is one nation, one election, then what happens if a government finds itself in the minority midway (through its term)? Won't there be any mid-term election?" Aam Aadmi Party MP Sanjay Singh asked.

Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi said, "We will wait for the introduction of the Bill in the Parliament. How will it be implemented, what will be the expense, how many more EVMs will be installed and how will all the arrangements be made. It is a long procedure".