On December 17, 2024, the Central government introduced the One Nation One Election (ONOE) bill in the Lok Sabha, aiming to synchronize elections for the Lok Sabha, state assemblies, and local bodies. Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal presented the Constitution (129 Amendment) Bill, 2024, while Home Minister Amit Shah emphasized Prime Minister Modi's desire for a thorough debate on the bill within the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) [dae345be].
The introduction of the ONOE bill has sparked significant debate among political factions. Opposition voices, including Congress MP Manish Tewari and Samajwadi Party MP Dharmendra Yadav, have raised concerns that the bill undermines the Constitution's basic structure. TMC MP Kalyan Banerjee and other opposition members echoed these sentiments, arguing that the bill poses a threat to state autonomy and the federal structure of governance in India [dae345be].
As discussions progress, the bill is set for electronic voting in the Lok Sabha, with ongoing deliberations about its constitutional validity and the broader implications for Indian federalism. The government's push for simultaneous elections is seen as a move to streamline the electoral process, but it faces skepticism from various political leaders who fear it may centralize power and diminish the role of state governments [dae345be].
This legislative initiative comes at a time when the NDA's recent electoral victory in Maharashtra has raised questions about the future of state governance and the balance of power between the central and state governments. The implications of the ONOE bill could further influence the political landscape, especially in light of the NDA's strengthened position following the Maharashtra elections [32dea550].
As the parliamentary session unfolds, the outcome of the ONOE bill will be closely monitored, with potential ramifications for the upcoming elections and the overall political framework in India. The government is advocating for the bill as a means to enhance efficiency in the electoral process, but the opposition's concerns highlight the complexities of implementing such a significant change in the democratic structure [dae345be].