Union Cabinet Approves ‘One Nation, One Election’; Comprehensive Bill Expected Soon
Union Cabinet Approves 'One Nation, One Election'; Comprehensive Bill Expected Soon
New Delhi: In a significant development, the Union Cabinet has approved the ‘One Nation, One Election’ initiative, with reports suggesting that a comprehensive bill could be tabled during the ongoing Winter Session of Parliament. The move aims to synchronize Lok Sabha and state assembly elections, marking a transformative shift in India’s electoral process.
Union Cabinet has approved 'One Nation One Election' Bill: Sources pic.twitter.com/uAsIyjNcCv
— ANI (@ANI) December 12, 2024
On September 2, 2023, the Narendra Modi-led Central Government formed a High-Level Committee, chaired by former President Ram Nath Kovind, to evaluate the feasibility of simultaneous elections. After extensive consultations with political parties and other stakeholders, the committee submitted its report on March 14, 2024.
According to sources, the government plans to introduce the bill either during this Winter Session or in the Budget Session next year. However, the proposal has faced staunch opposition from Congress and other INDIA bloc parties, which are expected to collectively oppose the legislation.
Can BJP Secure the Passage of the Bill?
For the bill to pass, the BJP-led NDA government will need a two-thirds majority in both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha. However, this majority is calculated based on the number of members present during the vote. For instance, in the Lok Sabha, if only 400 of the 543 members are present, the required majority drops to 268 votes.
Similarly, in the Rajya Sabha, the two-thirds threshold adjusts to the number of members participating in the vote. Opposition walkouts during discussions and voting could reduce the required majority, potentially aiding the BJP’s efforts to pass the bill.
If enacted, the ‘One Nation, One Election’ bill would mark a monumental shift, streamlining the electoral process and reducing the frequency of elections across India. However, with the opposition gearing up to challenge the move, its passage remains uncertain.
