New Delhi: The Lok Sabha on Tuesday witnessed a crucial vote on the controversial One Nation, One Election (ONOE) proposal, with the introduction of two Constitutional Amendment Bills aimed at synchronizing Lok Sabha and state Assembly polls. The bills, introduced by Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal, received 269 votes in favor and 198 against during a division vote, meeting the simple majority required for introduction. However, the lack of a two-thirds majority has raised questions about the feasibility of passing the amendments.
Key Details from the Vote
For the bills to amend the Constitution, a two-thirds majority of the members present and voting is necessary. With 461 members participating, 307 votes were required to meet this threshold. Critics from the opposition pointed out the government fell short of this mark, casting doubts over its ability to pass the bills in subsequent stages.
Congress MP Manickam Tagore highlighted this gap, stating on X (formerly Twitter): “Two-thirds majority (307) was needed, but the government secured only 269 votes. This shows the ONOE proposal lacks broad-based support.” Senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor echoed similar concerns, urging the government to reconsider the proposal, which he deemed premature.
Two-thirds majority (307) was needed out of the total 461 votes, but the government secured only 263, while the opposition got 198. The ‘One Nation, One Election’ proposal failed to gain two-thirds support. pic.twitter.com/5GIQQ0qY7r
— Manickam Tagore .B🇮🇳மாணிக்கம் தாகூர்.ப (@manickamtagore) December 17, 2024
Opposition Slams the Proposal
The bills have drawn sharp criticism from opposition parties, including the Congress, Trinamool Congress, Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), Samajwadi Party, and the Shiv Sena (UBT faction). They argue that simultaneous elections undermine India’s federal structure, subverting constitutional principles.
Trinamool Congress MP Kalyan Banerjee labeled the exercise “anti-federal,” while DMK leader TR Baalu flagged the potential cost implications, including ₹10,000 crore for new electronic voting machines (EVMs) required for the process. Congress MP Manish Tewari called for the bills to be referred to a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) for detailed examination.
Meanwhile, Samajwadi Party MP Dharmendra Yadav warned that the ONOE initiative could pave the way for authoritarianism, stating, “This is the path to dictatorship.”
Government Defends ONOE as Electoral Reform
Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal defended the bills, arguing that ONOE aligns with much-needed electoral reforms. “This initiative will simplify the electoral process and synchronize governance across the country. It does not harm the Constitution or its basic structure,” he stated.
The BJP also highlighted unwavering support from allies, including the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and the Eknath Shinde faction of the Shiv Sena. TDP MP Lavu Sri Krishna Devarayalu backed the proposal, citing positive experiences of synchronized elections in Andhra Pradesh.
What Is ‘One Nation, One Election’?
The ONOE proposal seeks to hold simultaneous elections for the Lok Sabha and state Assemblies, aiming to streamline the electoral process and reduce costs. As of now, elections in most states are staggered across different years, with only four states—Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, and Odisha—voting alongside the general elections in 2019.
For ONOE to be implemented, amendments are required to key constitutional provisions, including Articles 83, 85, 172, 174, and 356, which govern the duration and dissolution of Parliament and state legislatures. Legal experts warn that failing to secure these amendments could make the proposal vulnerable to legal challenges for violating India’s federal structure.
Next Steps: Joint Committee Likely
With the bills introduced, the next step is expected to involve sending them to a joint parliamentary committee for further scrutiny. The BJP’s numerical strength in the Lok Sabha will likely give it a significant role in shaping the committee’s deliberations.
Will ONOE Work?
Critics argue that implementing ONOE faces numerous logistical and constitutional hurdles, including aligning the terms of existing governments. The financial implications and potential disruption to federalism have further fueled resistance.
While the government remains committed to its vision of One Nation, One Election, the road ahead is fraught with political and legal challenges. The opposition’s united front against the bills underscores the deep divisions over a proposal that could reshape India’s electoral landscape.
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