Tue Dec 17 18:01:01 UTC 2024: ## Parliament Debates Constitution, ‘One Nation, One Election’ Bill Referred to Committee
**New Delhi, December 18, 2024** – India’s Parliament concluded a two-day debate on the Constitution, with the contentious “One Nation, One Election” (ONOE) Bill sparking heated exchanges. The Lok Sabha passed the bill by a vote of 269 to 198, but it was subsequently referred to a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) following opposition concerns.
Opposition parties argued the ONOE Bill undermines the federal structure of the Constitution and grants excessive powers to the Election Commission. Congress leader Manish Tewari highlighted concerns about the potential impact on state legislatures’ terms. Other opposition members echoed these sentiments, calling for the bill’s withdrawal or referral to a JPC, a request ultimately granted by the government.
Home Minister Amit Shah revealed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had suggested the JPC referral, citing support from DMK member T.R. Baalu. This marks the first use of the electronic voting system in the new Parliament House.
The Lok Sabha also passed supplementary demands for grants, with Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman characterizing recent lower-than-expected GDP growth as temporary and highlighting a decrease in unemployment and a rise in female labor force participation.
The Rajya Sabha paid tribute to Ustad Zakir Hussain before engaging in its own Constitution debate. Discussions involved accusations and counter-accusations regarding the handling of reservations, economic inequality, and the situation in Manipur. A heated exchange took place between the ruling party and the opposition, with accusations of constitutional violations leveled on both sides.
The debate concluded with the Home Minister emphasizing the Constitution’s capacity for amendment, citing a higher number of amendments under the Congress regime than under the BJP. Both Houses are scheduled to reconvene on December 18th.
First Piper 