Arjun Ram Meghwal to Introduce Landmark Election Synchronization Bill in Parliament

Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal will introduce ‘The Constitution (One Hundred and Twenty-Ninth Amendment) Bill, 2024’ in the Lok Sabha on December 16. This significant proposal seeks to amend the Constitution to enable simultaneous elections for the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies. The Bill also aims to associate Assembly election schedules for Delhi, Jammu and Kashmir, and Puducherry.

Union Territories Laws Amendment Bill on Agenda

Alongside the One Nation, One Election Bill, Meghwal will present the Union Territories Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2024. This legislation proposes changes 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. 

Opposition Raises Concerns About Federalism

The proposed Bill has drawn strong criticism from opposition leaders, who argue it damages India’s federal structure. Senior Congress leader Digvijay Singh questioned its possibility, asking, “If the One Nation, One Election is being introduced and the government in a state falls in six months...will we remain without a government for 4.5 years?”

Call for Joint Parliamentary Committee Review

Congress MP Jairam Ramesh demanded a detailed review of the Bill through a Joint Parliamentary Committee. He stated, “The bill undermines democracy…We oppose the bill,” referring to the Congress party's official opinion conveyed in a letter by Mallikarjun Kharge to former President Ram Nath Kovind.

Union Cabinet and PM Modi Back the Proposal

The Union Cabinet approved the One Nation, One Election proposal on December 12. Earlier, in September, the Cabinet approved the plan for uniting Lok Sabha, Assembly, urban body, and panchayat elections within 100 days. Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the initiative as “a significant step towards enhancing India’s democracy.”

INDIA Bloc and NDA at Odds

The proposal has separated political alliances. While the BJP-led NDA alliance supports the Bill, mentioning its potential to save time and resources, INDIA bloc members remain persistently opposed, calling it impractical and harmful to federalism.

A Heated Debate Ahead in Parliament

With Meghwal set to introduce the Bill in Parliament, the stage is set for an intense debate. As the opposition demands analysis, the ruling party pushes for instant action, framing it as a democratic milestone.