One Nation, One Election’ Bill introduced in Lok Sabha; Sent to JPC for In-Depth Scrutiny

On Tuesday, December 17, 2024, the Constitution (One Hundred and Twenty-Ninth Amendment) Bill, 2024 and The Union Territories Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2024 were formally introduced in the Lok Sabha following a vote. The proposed legislation advocates for “One Nation, One Election,” suggesting simultaneous elections for the Lok Sabha and state assemblies. The bills will now be referred to a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) for further deliberations.

The Lok Sabha Speaker announced the voting results on the bill’s introduction, with 269 members in favor (Ayes) and 196 against (Noes). Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal introduced the Constitution (129th Amendment) Bill, 2024, supporting the “One Nation, One Election” initiative and agreed to its referral to a JPC, following a statement by Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

Shah explained that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had suggested sending the bill to the JPC for detailed discussions when it was considered in the cabinet. Meghwal also introduced amendments to the Government of Union Territories Act, 1963, the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi Act, 1991, and the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019, aimed at synchronizing assembly elections in Delhi, Jammu and Kashmir, and Puducherry with the proposed simultaneous elections.

Opposition to the bill came from Congress MP Manish Tewari, who argued that the proposed amendments violate the basic structure doctrine of the Constitution, which safeguards essential features like federalism and democratic governance. Tewari contended that the bill exceeds the legislative authority of Parliament and undermines the core principles of the Constitution.

Samajwadi Party MP Dharmendra Yadav echoed Tewari’s concerns, stating that the bill undermines the spirit and structure of the Constitution. Speaking on behalf of his party and leader Akhilesh Yadav, Yadav emphasized that the Constitution’s framers were unmatched in their wisdom, and no one in the current House could claim to surpass their understanding.

Similarly, Trinamool Congress (TMC) voiced strong opposition to the bill. TMC MP Kalyan Banerjee asserted that the bill violates the basic structure of the Constitution, rendering it ultra vires. Banerjee emphasized the autonomy of state governments and legislatures, highlighting that under the Seventh Schedule, the state legislative assemblies are empowered to legislate on matters under List Two and List Three, just as Parliament legislates under List One and List Three. He argued that the bill effectively erodes the independence of state legislatures, subordinating them to the central government.