‘One Nation One Election' Bill To Be Introduced On Tuesday
The Narendra Modi-led NDA government will introduce the ‘One Nation One Election‘ bill tomorrow, December 17, in the Lok Sabha around noon, reports said quoting sources. This legislative business of Indian Parliament, which has larger implication in the election process of the country, was confirmed after the BJP, the leading constituent in the ruling NDA bloc, issued a three-line whip to all of its Lok Sabha MPs to be present in the house on December 17, 2024.
Last week, the Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved the ‘One Nation, One Election’ plan and the rumour was rife as that government was all set to introduce a bill during the ongoing Winter Session of Parliament.
The ‘One Nation, One Election’ initiative, which was opposed by many including the Opposition parties and states, aims to synchronise elections across the Lok Sabha, State Assemblies, and local bodies, reducing the frequency of polls and ensuring smoother governance.
Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan recently argued that frequent elections disrupt national progress, calling for unified polls to enable seamless development. The concept has seen widespread discussions and consultations, with a high-level committee chaired by former President Ram Nath Kovind providing extensive recommendations.
Proponents argue that the move will foster social cohesion, enhance voter participation, and deepen democratic principles, addressing inefficiencies in the current system. On the other hand, the Opposition claimed that the ruling government is trying to dismantle the federal structure and the diverse nature of Indian democracy.
In a latest development in the matter, DMK President and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin has strongly criticised the Central government’s push for a “One Nation, One Election” (ONOE) in a social media post on Monday, December 16. He asserted that the INDIA bloc would resist the “anti-federal & impractical” legislation crushing India’s democracy and diversity.
Taking to X, Stalin wrote: “#INDIA will resist the anti-federal & impractical “One nation one election” as it will push the country into the perils of unitary form of governance, killing its diversity and democracy in the process.”
A three-line whip is a strict instruction issued by a political party to its members of parliament (MPs) or legislators in India to be present in the house and vote as directed by the party on a particular issue. This is the strongest level of a whip, and disobeying it can result in serious consequences, including disciplinary action or even expulsion from the party.
Such a whip is typically issued for crucial votes, such as no-confidence motions, confidence motions, or important legislative decisions.
