BJP To Issue Notices To Over 20 MPs Absent During Tabling Of 'One Nation One Election' Bill In Lok Sabha

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) plans to issue notices to the members of Parliament (MP) who were absent in the Lok Sabha today (17 December) when the government's key "One Country One Election Bill" was introduced.

It was noted that over 20 BJP MPs were not present during today's voting, sources told NDTV. This led to bill introduction being favoured by 269 MPs, while opposed by 198 MPs.

Previously, the party had issued a three-line whip to its Lok Sabha members, instructing them to ensure their presence in the House. Notably, the ruling coalition needs a two-thirds majority to pass a Constitutional Amendment Bill.

While the lack of MPs present did not hinder the progression of the two bills intended to alter the Constitution and allow for concurrent parliamentary and state elections today, it provided fuel for the Congress' claims.

The main opposition party has been asserting that the government lacks sufficient backing on the matter and opposed the introduction of the Bill by claiming that the Parliament is not competent to pass such legislature.

However, the Bill has been sent to the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) for wider consultation, as was also the wish of Prime Minister Narendra Modi as per Union Home Minister Amit Shah's statement in Lok Sabha today.