Thu Dec 12 19:07:12 UTC 2024: **Cabinet Approves Controversial “One Nation, One Election” Bill Amidst Opposition Backlash**

NEW DELHI – The Union Cabinet on Thursday approved a bill proposing simultaneous elections for the Lok Sabha and state assemblies, a move that has sparked immediate and fierce opposition from several opposition parties. The bill, a key promise from the BJP’s Lok Sabha election manifesto, is expected to be introduced in the ongoing winter session of Parliament.

Home Minister Amit Shah presented the bill to the Cabinet, highlighting technical aspects. Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged ministers to actively promote the bill’s benefits to the public. The proposal follows the acceptance of recommendations from a high-level committee chaired by former President Ram Nath Kovind, which suggested a phased implementation, starting with national and state elections, followed by local body elections.

The government intends to send the bill to a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) to foster broader consensus and plans to solicit feedback from state assembly speakers, experts, civil society, and the public. The Kovind committee’s extensive report, totaling 18,626 pages, suggests 18 constitutional amendments to facilitate the plan. The report details a two-stage implementation, with the synchronization of local body elections to follow within 100 days of the national and state polls, contingent upon approval from at least half of India’s states.

However, the proposal has been met with strong condemnation from the INDIA bloc, with several leaders voicing concerns. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin called the bill “draconian,” claiming it would suppress regional voices and undermine federalism. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal criticized the BJP’s priorities, suggesting the focus should be on education and healthcare. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee vowed staunch opposition to the bill.

While major NDA allies like the JD(U) have expressed support, the opposition’s vehement criticism indicates a challenging path ahead for the bill’s passage. The government’s plan to seek wide-ranging consultation suggests an awareness of the significant political hurdles the proposal faces.

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