The Indian Parliament has taken a significant step towards the ambitious ‘One Nation, One Election’ (ONOE) proposal. The Narendra Modi government formed a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) to delve into the intricacies of this constitutional amendment. This move follows the contentious introduction of the Constitution (129th Amendment) Bill, 2024, in the Lok Sabha, which saw 263 votes in favor and 198 against. The JPC, a panel comprising 31 members (21 from Lok Sabha and 10 from Rajya Sabha), will thoroughly examine the proposal’s implications and submit its report by the end of the next parliamentary session.
The composition of the JPC is noteworthy, including prominent figures from both the ruling and opposition parties. Members representing the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) include prominent ministers and party leaders. The opposition, however, is represented by members from the Indian National Congress, Samajwadi Party, Trinamool Congress, DMK, and Shiv Sena (UBT), amongst others. The inclusion of key opposition figures like Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and Manish Tewari signals a commitment to a comprehensive and inclusive discussion on this landmark bill. The JPC’s deliberations will likely focus on potential challenges, including the logistical complexities of synchronizing elections across diverse states and the potential impact on the democratic process. Furthermore, the committee will likely debate the possible constitutional and legal ramifications of the ONOE proposal. This broad representation seeks to address concerns voiced by opposition parties and ensure that all perspectives are considered. However, considering the strong opposition to the bill in the initial stages of its presentation, the proceedings of the JPC will be highly observed and analyzed.
The ‘One Nation, One Election’ proposal aims to streamline the election process, reducing the financial burden and administrative strain associated with frequent elections. Proponents argue that this reform could boost economic efficiency and improve governance by aligning electoral cycles. This system is expected to provide better opportunities to the voters, reducing election fatigue and boosting participation and the focus of the political parties would shift toward real policy making rather than election preparation. While the concept has drawn considerable support from several political parties, it’s encountered significant opposition. Critics raise concerns about potential challenges to federalism and the dominance of the ruling party, questioning whether it aligns with the spirit of India’s diverse political landscape. They also express concerns about its impact on the states’ autonomy and the potential for a compromised democratic framework. Further, the logistical hurdles of synchronizing multiple elections on a nationwide scale are substantial and deserve scrutiny.
The high-level committee chaired by former President Ram Nath Kovind previously consulted with political parties across the spectrum. While 32 parties showed support, 15 opposed the measure, highlighting the deep divisions surrounding the ONOE initiative. This divergence will likely play a significant role in the deliberations within the JPC. The JPC’s role is crucial, as it acts as a bridge between the legislative process and the voices of varied political stakeholders. The committee’s findings and recommendations will substantially shape the future of the ‘One Nation, One Election’ proposal. It will determine whether it is adopted as an amendment to the constitution or discarded entirely. The upcoming report from the committee will shape the future of the Indian electoral system, a pivotal moment for Indian democracy. The debate on ‘One Nation, One Election’ is expected to remain a dominant theme in Indian politics during the coming weeks and months, attracting ongoing media attention and sparking heated public discourse.
