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The much-anticipated One Nation, One Election Bill, proposing a constitutional amendment to synchronize Lok Sabha and state assembly elections, has been introduced in the Lok Sabha for discussion. The bill has already sparked significant debate, with 269 Members of Parliament (MPs) in support and 198 opposing it. A joint parliamentary committee, comprising members from both Houses, may now be tasked with reviewing the provisions of this bill, as per a report by PTI.
What is the One Nation, One Election Bill?
The One Nation, One Election Bill aims to bring a fundamental change to the electoral process in India by ensuring simultaneous elections for the Lok Sabha, state legislative assemblies, and union territories like Jammu & Kashmir, Puducherry, and Delhi. This proposal was approved by the Cabinet last week and marks a major shift in how elections are conducted across the country.
The primary goal of the bill is to reduce the frequent disruption caused by staggered elections and ensure cost savings for the government. However, as per the current provisions, actual implementation of synchronized elections will only begin from 2034.
Key Provisions of the Bill
The bill proposes to amend the following key Articles in the Indian Constitution:
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Article 83: Relating to the duration of the Houses of Parliament.
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Article 172: Pertaining to the duration of state legislative assemblies.
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Article 327: Granting authority to Parliament to make laws on elections to legislatures.
Additionally, the bill seeks to add a new Article 82(A), which explicitly focuses on simultaneous elections for the Lok Sabha and all state legislative assemblies.
When Will One Nation, One Election Be Implemented?
As per the bill, the provisions will take effect on an "appointed date," which will be declared by the President. This date will coincide with the first Lok Sabha session following a general election. The bill outlines that synchronized elections will officially commence in 2034, following the next general elections in 2029.
Once the system is in place:
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The Lok Sabha will have a fixed five-year term starting from the appointed date.
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Any state legislative assemblies elected after this date will have their terms aligned with the Lok Sabha. If required, their terms could be terminated early to synchronize with the central elections.
What Happens If the Bill Is Not Passed?
The bill requires a two-thirds majority in both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha to pass since it involves constitutional amendments. If the bill fails to secure this majority, the current electoral cycle of frequent, separate elections will continue.
The bill also stipulates what happens in case of an early dissolution of the Lok Sabha or a state assembly. If either is dissolved before completing its term, the newly elected body will serve only the remaining portion of the previous term, ensuring future synchronization.
How Many Votes Does the Government Need?
The passage of the One Nation, One Election Bill requires substantial political backing:
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In the Lok Sabha: Out of the 542 members, the government needs the support of 361 MPs (66% majority). To achieve this, the ruling party (NDA) will need the cooperation of non-aligned regional parties like the AIADMK, Biju Janata Dal (BJD), and YSR Congress Party (YSRCP).
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In the Rajya Sabha: The bill needs 154 votes out of 231 current members. At present, the NDA has 114 members, along with six nominated members. The opposition INDIA bloc has 86 members, while the remaining 25 belong to other parties.
What Comes Next?
Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal presented the bill and is expected to request Speaker Om Birla to refer it to a Joint Parliamentary Committee for detailed examination. This step ensures that the bill undergoes thorough scrutiny and debate before further action is taken.
The One Nation, One Election proposal is undoubtedly one of the most ambitious reforms in India’s democratic history. While its supporters argue it will streamline governance, reduce election expenses, and allow governments to focus on policymaking, critics have expressed concerns about its feasibility, federal structure implications, and the potential undermining of regional parties.
As the debate unfolds in Parliament, all eyes are on whether the government will secure enough votes to pass this historic bill and reshape India’s electoral future.
