Discussion on 'One Nation, One Election' bill in India: Country divided in support and opposition
The 'One Nation, One Election' bill was introduced in the Lok Sabha, in which 32 parties of the country are in support and 15 parties are against it. The purpose of the bill is to conduct elections of Lok Sabha and state assemblies simultaneously. The government considers it a means of development and saving of resources, while the opposition is calling it a threat to democracy.
INDC Network : New Delhi : Discussion on 'One Nation, One Election' Bill in India: The country is divided between support and opposition
One Nation, One Election': What is the preamble to this bill?
The main objective of the 'One Nation, One Election' Bill is to hold Lok Sabha and State Assembly elections simultaneously. It has been claimed to reduce the expenditure on elections, make the deployment of security forces effective and eliminate obstacles in development works.
Cabinet approval and presentation in Parliament
The Bill was approved by the Union Cabinet on 12 December and introduced in the Lok Sabha on 19 December. This Constitution Amendment Bill is also listed.
List of parties supporting and opposing the bill
32 supporting teams
| Party Name | Party Name |
|---|---|
| Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) | Mizo National Front (MNF) |
| All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam | Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) |
| JD (U) | Assam Gana Parishad (AGP) |
| Your team | Nationalist People's Democratic Party |
| Tamil Manila Congress (TMC) | Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party |
| National Democratic Progressive Party | Republican Party of India (Athavale) |
| Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) | Gorkha National Liberal Front |
15 opposing parties
| Party Name | Party Name |
|---|---|
| Indian National Congress (INC) | Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) |
| Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) | Communist Party of India (CPI) |
| Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) | All India Majlis-e-Ittehad-ul-Muslimeen (AIMIM) |
| Trinamool Congress (TMC) | Communist Party of Marxism (CPI(M)) |
| Samajwadi Party (SP) | Naga People's Front |
| Viduthlai Chiruthaigal Kachi (VCK) | Social Democratic Party of India |
What does the government say about support?
- History of Elections:
BJP MPs argued that till 1966 Lok Sabha and Assembly elections were held simultaneously in India. - Impact on development:
BJP MP Sudhakar said that this arrangement will save time and resources, which will help in development work. - Use of security forces:
MP Brijlal said that holding elections throughout the year puts pressure on the security forces.
Why is the opposition protesting?
- Threat to democracy:
Congress MP Karti Chidambaram calls it a "dictatorship". - Basic elements of the constitution:
CPI(M) leader MY Tarigami said it would harm the diversity and unity of the country. - Parliamentary Committee Demand:
BJD MP Sasmeet Patra recommended the formation of a joint parliamentary committee on this issue.
What does the high-level committee say?
A committee headed by former President Ram Nath Kovind has recommended implementing it in two phases.
- Lok Sabha and Assembly elections simultaneously.
- Panchayat and Municipal Corporation elections within 100 days of general elections.
Also, the committee has also advised to prepare a common voter list for all elections.
- The opinion of the political parties of the country is divided on the 'One Nation, One Election' bill. While the government considers it necessary to save resources and promote development, the opposition is calling it an attack on democratic processes.
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