Fri Dec 13 03:04:50 UTC 2024: **India Moves Closer to One Nation, One Election with Cabinet Approval of Key Bills**
NEW DELHI – India took a significant step towards implementing its ambitious “One Nation, One Election” (ONOE) plan on Thursday, as the Union Cabinet approved two crucial bills. The bills, one a constitutional amendment and the other a regular bill, pave the way for simultaneous elections to the Lok Sabha (lower house of Parliament) and all state assemblies. The plan also aims to eventually synchronize elections for local bodies.
The approval follows a report by a committee headed by former President Ram Nath Kovind, which recommended the sweeping changes. While the government hasn’t specified a timeline – aiming for either 2029 or 2034 – the bills are expected to be introduced during the ongoing winter session of Parliament.
The constitutional amendment bill will necessitate significant changes, including the addition of a new article to facilitate the transition to a simultaneous election system. This includes addressing scenarios where state governments fall mid-term. The second bill will focus on aligning elections for local bodies and creating a single electoral roll.
The proposed changes are expected to face significant legal challenges, primarily concerning concerns about federalism and the potential limitation of state governments’ terms. Passage of the bills requires a two-thirds majority in both houses of Parliament, a hurdle the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) may find challenging to overcome. Extensive consultations and public awareness campaigns are anticipated.
This development follows other news including details on India’s largest regional retail options traders summit, crypto market updates featuring top gainers and losers, and various business and financial market updates.
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