Parliament Braces For Battle Over 'One Nation, One Election' Bills

New Delhi: The Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) on the 'One Nation, One Election' (ONOE) bills held its first meeting recently, with sharp debates erupting between opposition members and BJP MPs over the proposed legislation. The Constitution (129th Amendment) Bill and the Union Territories Laws (Amendment) Bill have been introduced in Lok Sabha and will be reviewed by the 39-member committee.

The Ministry of Law and Justice presented the bills' provisions and rationale, while opposition members expressed concerns about claims that simultaneous elections would reduce expenditure and undermine democratic values. Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra questioned if any impact assessment was conducted after the 2004 general elections, which were the first to use electronic voting machines (EVMs).

In response, BJP MPs defended the initiative, citing historical precedents such as the dissolution of seven state assemblies in 1957 and arguing that continuous elections hinder development. They pointed out that the proposal has garnered public support from over 25,000 people.

Opposition members from various parties, including Shiv Sena MP Shrikant Shinde, expressed concerns about disruptions caused by frequent elections in Maharashtra, as well as the impact on state-level development initiatives and the threat to federalism.

The debate deepened as YSR Congress MP V Vijayasai Reddy demanded a return to paper ballots, citing security concerns over EVM manipulation, while also warning that simultaneous elections could marginalize regional parties. JD(U) MP Sanjay Jha brought up governance concerns regarding short-term governments with a diminished focus.

With the enormity of the task, opposition MPs suggested extending the JPC's review period to at least one year. As the committee moves forward, it will be crucial to determine how contentious issues raised during the meeting will be addressed and whether the bills gain broader consensus.

This development marks the beginning of a critical review process for the ONOE bills, with significant implications for India's electoral landscape. The fate of these measures hangs in the balance as the JPC ponders its recommendations and potential impact on democratic governance in the country.