'One Nation One Election' Bill Introduced In Lok Sabha With 269 Votes In Favour Despite Congress' Opposition

The 129th Constitutional Amendment Bill to implement 'One Nation, One Election' (ONOE) was tabled by Union Law and Justice Minister (Independent Charge) Arjun Ram Meghwal on Tuesday (17 December) in Lok Sabha.

Opposition leaders including Congress members of Parliament (MP) Manish Tewari and Gaurav Gogoi opposed its introduction in the House claiming that the Parliament is incompetent to pass such a Bill.

Meghwal defended by saying, "Constitution's Article 327 gives rights to Parliament to decide on the process of legislative assembly elections." and assured that ONOE would not be detrimental to the federal structure of the country.

Ultimately, the House witnessed an electronic division of votes over the introduction of the Bill. With 269 ayes and 198 noes, the House ruled in favour of the introduction of the Bill and the Lok Sabha was adjourned till 3 pm.

Notably, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said that when the Bill was approved by the Union Cabinet, Prime Minister Narendra Modi suggested sending the Bill to the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) for wider consultation.

It remains to be seen whether the Bill will be sent to JPC but amid opposition from Congress, Sharad Pawar's NCP and AIMIM, the Bill found support from BJP and its allies like Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena.