A constitutional amendment bill aiming to hold simultaneous Lok Sabha and state assembly elections is set to be introduced in the Lok Sabha on Tuesday. Titled the Constitution (One Hundred and Twenty-Ninth Amendment) Bill, 2024, popularly known as the "one nation, one election" bill, it will be presented by Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal.
Following its introduction, Meghwal is expected to request Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla to refer the bill to a Joint Committee of Parliament for wider deliberations. The proposed joint committee will include members from both Houses, appointed on a pro-rata basis according to party strength, with the BJP likely to secure the chairmanship given its majority.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who was part of the high-level committee led by former President Ram Nath Kovind that examined the feasibility of simultaneous elections, is expected to be present during the bill's introduction. The Kovind committee had recommended holding Lok Sabha, state assembly, and local body elections in a phased manner, though the current focus remains on parliamentary and assembly polls.
Additionally, the Union Territories Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2024, will also be introduced on the same day. This bill seeks to streamline elections in the union territories of Jammu and Kashmir, Puducherry, and the National Capital Territory of Delhi.
Formation of the Joint Committee
Once the bill is introduced, the Speaker will invite parties to submit names of members for the joint committee. If any party fails to provide names promptly, they risk losing representation on the panel. The committee's composition is expected to be announced by the same evening. Initially, its tenure will be set at 90 days, with an option to extend it as needed.
Historical Context
Simultaneous elections were held in India between 1951 and 1967. However, the practice was disrupted due to early dissolutions of assemblies and the Lok Sabha. Over the years, various reports and studies—starting as early as 1983—have revisited the idea, advocating for its revival.
During recent consultations led by Kovind, 32 political parties supported the concept, while 15 opposed it. The Union Cabinet's approval of this bill signals a significant step toward reviving simultaneous elections, which are believed to streamline electoral processes and reduce costs.
Impact and Implications
The proposal, if passed, would align parliamentary and assembly elections across the country. While this initiative has sparked debates, its proponents argue it would bring greater efficiency and reduce the frequency of election-related disruptions. The idea continues to evoke mixed responses from political parties and stakeholders.