Lok Sabha Sees Introduction of 'One Nation, One Election' Bill Amidst Protests from Opposition
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New Delhi, Dec 17 (NationPress) Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal presented the Constitution Amendment Bill for 'One Nation, One Election' (ONOE Bill) in the Lok Sabha on Tuesday.
The introduction of the ONOE Bill initiated yet another confrontation in Parliament as opposition parties protested, calling for its retraction due to its 'anti-constitutional and anti-democratic' implications.
Leaders from the Congress party strongly criticized the government, insisting on the immediate withdrawal of the Bill.
In response, Home Minister Amit Shah dismissed these allegations, asserting that opposing progressive legislation has become a routine for the Congress party.
The TDP, a crucial ally of the BJP, voiced its full support for the ONOE Bill, claiming it would alleviate India’s financial burdens and reduce electoral expenditures by over 40 percent.
Parties like the Trinamool Congress, Samajwadi Party, Shiv Sena (UBT), and AIMIM were among those who vehemently opposed the ONOE Bill, labeling it as an attack on the Constitution and a blatant effort to 'undermine democracy' and introduce authoritarianism.
AIMIM leader Asaduddin Owaisi expressed his concerns regarding the Bill, stating that it aims to eliminate regional parties.
He added, 'This is designed to maximize political advantages for a particular party and will pave the way for a presidential-style government', criticizing the BJP-led administration.
The ONOE Bill seeks to conduct simultaneous elections for both the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies by aligning their election cycles.
The ONOE has been a longstanding electoral commitment of the BJP-led NDA.
Prominent opposition figures, including Rahul Gandhi, Mamata Banerjee, Akhilesh Yadav, and MK Stalin, have already expressed their disapproval of the simultaneous polls, denouncing it as a step towards 'authoritarian democracy'.
Reports suggest that the Lok Sabha Speaker may refer the newly introduced Bills to a Joint Committee of Parliament for broader discussions.
