Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal introduced the Constitution Amendment Bill on “One Nation, One Election” in the Lok Sabha on Tuesday, seeking to implement simultaneous elections to the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies.
लोकसभा में कानून और न्याय राज्य मंत्री (स्वतंत्र प्रभार) @arjunrammeghwal दो विधेयक — The Constitution (129th Amendment) Bill, 2024 और The Union Territories Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2024 पेश किए।
विपक्ष के विरोध के बाद इन विधेयकों को मत विभाजन के लिए सदन में रखा गया।@ombirlakota pic.twitter.com/Sh3iI6c9L9
— SansadTV (@sansad_tv) December 17, 2024
Electronic voting recorded 220 Ayes and 149 Noes for the bill’s introduction, marking the first time electronic machines were used for voting in the Lok Sabha.
The Speaker permitted Members to amend their votes via slips as they adjusted to the new system. Voting is still underway.
The introduction of the bill triggered a heated debate, with the Opposition demanding a division of votes.
#WATCH | On One Nation One Election Bill, Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra says, "Anti-Constitutional Bill. It's against the federalism of our nation. We are opposing the Bill." pic.twitter.com/8bKlwV1JNT
— ANI (@ANI) December 17, 2024
Parliament में पेश #OneNationOneElection बिल जम्हूरियत के लिए खतरा क्यों है? यह Bill संविधान की बुनयादी ढाँचे के खिलाफ है और क्षेत्रीय दलों को ख़त्म करने का काम करेगा।pic.twitter.com/KThP5mKBdF
— Asaduddin Owaisi (@asadowaisi) December 17, 2024
Addressing concerns, the Law Minister quoted Dr B.R. Ambedkar, stating that the proposed bills do not alter the division of legislative and executive powers between the Centre and States, as outlined in the Constitution.
Meghwal asserted that the bills do not impact the ‘Basic Structure’ doctrine, including judicial review, federal character, separation of powers, and the supremacy of the Constitution.
However, Opposition parties, led by Congress, opposed the bill and demanded it be referred to a Joint Parliamentary Committee.
They argued that simultaneous elections undermine the spirit of federalism, a fundamental feature of the Constitution.
The introduction of the bill comes as the Rajya Sabha continues its debate on constitutional amendments.
Union Minister J.P. Nadda initiated the proceedings earlier in the day. Both the BJP-led government and the Congress have issued whips, mandating their MPs’ presence in their respective Houses.
The debate and voting on the contentious bill remain ongoing in Parliament.
ALSO READ: Who Backs And Who Opposes The ‘One Nation, One Election’ Bill In Lok Sabha?
