Tue Dec 17 22:12:22 UTC 2024: ## One Nation, One Election Bill Introduced in Lok Sabha, Referred to JPC

**New Delhi:** The Lok Sabha witnessed the introduction of the ambitious “One Nation, One Election” bill today. Following a brief discussion, the bill was referred to the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) for further scrutiny.

Debate surrounding the bill highlighted the fact that India originally held simultaneous elections for the Lok Sabha and state assemblies until 1967. The disruption of this practice, according to discussions in Parliament, stemmed from a series of events beginning in that year.

From 1951-52 until 1967, general and state assembly elections were held concurrently. The 1959 dismissal of the elected Kerala government by Indira Gandhi, leading to a by-election, is cited as a key factor that began to unravel the synchronized election system. Subsequent political instability in Kerala, including further dismissals of state governments and the imposition of President’s Rule, resulted in staggered elections.

The premature dissolution of state governments, starting in 1968 with the dismissal of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Chaudhary Charan Singh, further complicated the synchronization of elections. This trend continued with similar dismissals in Punjab and West Bengal. Finally, Indira Gandhi’s decision to call an early Lok Sabha election in 1971 (instead of 1972) shattered the simultaneous election system.

While the bill aims to reinstate simultaneous elections, implementation is expected to take considerable time. Sources suggest that, if the bill passes without amendment, simultaneous elections might not be feasible until 2034. Election Commission officials estimate that at least 2.5 to 3 years are needed to double the number of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), a critical requirement for such an undertaking. The procurement of chips and other components alone is projected to take 7-8 months, with current manufacturing capacity being insufficient to meet the demand within a shorter timeframe. The JPC will now examine the feasibility and implications of the bill before it is further considered by Parliament.

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