One Nation, One Election" Bill Introduced in Parliament: Will Simultaneous Polls Revolutionize India's Election Process or Fuel Constitutional Crisis?

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): The much-anticipated Constitution (One Hundred and Twenty-Ninth Amendment) Bill, 2024, known as the One Nation, One Election Bill, was introduced in the Lok Sabha on December 17, 2024, by Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal. The bill seeks to enable the synchronization of Lok Sabha and state assembly elections, a practice followed in India until 1967. Its objective is to align national and state elections within the same year, if not simultaneously, and synchronize local body elections within a specific timeframe.

With the ongoing parliamentary winter session wrapping up on December 20, the bill's introduction has already sparked a fierce debate. While the government argues that this initiative will streamline elections, cut down on election-related expenses, and ensure better resource allocation, especially for security, opposition parties are raising alarms. BJP leaders see the One Nation, One Election proposal as a move to reduce election frequency, enhance administrative efficiency, and ensure continuity in governance. They believe this initiative could revolutionize India's electoral landscape, making governance more coherent. However, the bill faces intense resistance, with figures like Rahul Gandhi and Mamata Banerjee condemning it as "anti-democratic." Congress MP Manish Tewari has raised concerns, stating it could undermine state autonomy and diminish local democratic participation. Opponents argue that imposing a single election schedule across the nation could undermine India's federal structure.

The government plans to roll out the scheme in two phases: first, combining the Lok Sabha and state assembly elections, followed by synchronizing local body elections within 100 days of the general elections. Provisions for midterm elections are also included in the bill. With this game-changing proposal on the table, India's electoral future may undergo a profound shift, potentially altering the political landscape at every level of governance. As discussions in Parliament intensify, the One Nation, One Election bill will continue to be a point of contention, with far-reaching implications for the country's democratic framework.