Tue Dec 17 15:32:21 UTC 2024: ## “One Nation, One Election” Bill Clears Lok Sabha, Sparks Heated Debate

**New Delhi:** The Lok Sabha on Tuesday passed the “One Nation, One Election” bill, a key proposal of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), by a vote of 269 to 198. The bill, officially titled the Constitution (One Hundred and Twenty-Ninth Amendment) Bill, 2024, aims to synchronize Lok Sabha and state assembly elections. It also seeks to align elections in the union territories of Jammu and Kashmir, Puducherry, and Delhi. The bill has now been referred to a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) for further deliberation.

The bill’s introduction sparked a fierce debate, with Union Home Minister Amit Shah delivering a strong speech in the Rajya Sabha, criticizing the opposition, particularly the Congress, for allegedly being “anti-constitutional” and neglecting the welfare of backward classes. Shah highlighted the Modi government’s achievements while contrasting them with the Congress’s past record. He accused the Congress of contradicting its words with actions, citing instances of alleged constitutional amendments aimed at curbing freedoms and neglecting the OBC community. He also defended the BJP’s record on constitutional amendments, emphasizing that the party had made fewer changes than the Congress during their respective periods in power. Shah further addressed the opposition’s concerns over the EVMs and Triple Talaq, defending the government’s actions.

The proposal, a key element of the BJP’s 2024 election manifesto, enjoys the backing of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. However, it faces strong opposition from numerous political parties and activists who claim it undermines democratic accountability and federalism. Several opposition MPs, including those from the Congress and TMC, voiced concerns about the bill’s potential impact on the federal structure of India and its compatibility with the Constitution.

While some, like Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma, expressed support, citing potential benefits in terms of electioneering, governance, and finances, others, such as political analyst Tehseen Poonawalla, labelled it a “jhumla” (political gimmick). The debate highlighted the deep divisions within the Indian political landscape on this significant constitutional reform. Parliament will reconvene on December 18th to continue the session.

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