The Indian Parliament witnessed a heated debate on Tuesday as the government introduced two bills proposing "One Nation, One Election", or simultaneous elections for both the Lok Sabha and state assemblies. While the Opposition criticized the bills for infringing upon the federal structure, the government defended its decision and sent the bills to a Joint Parliamentary Committee for further discussion. This marked the first use of electronic voting in the new Parliament House. The bills also include amendments to align assembly elections in Delhi, Jammu and Kashmir, and Puducherry with the proposed changes.
One Nation, One Election: Moving Towards Simultaneous Polls in India
Background
The concept of "One Nation, One Election" (ONE) has been debated in India for several years. It proposes holding elections for the Lok Sabha (lower house of Parliament) and all state assemblies simultaneously, instead of the staggered elections currently held.
The main objective of ONE is to reduce the cost and disruption caused by multiple elections, which often lead to a prolonged period of election campaigning. It also aims to align the tenure of the central and state governments, enabling better coordination and policy implementation.
Recent Developments
On December 9, 2019, the Indian government introduced two bills in Parliament to implement ONE. The bills, the Constitution (Amendment) Bill, 2019, and the Representation of the People (Amendment) Bill, 2019, propose amendments to the Constitution and electoral laws to facilitate simultaneous elections.
The bills were met with strong opposition from the Opposition, which argued that they would undermine the federal structure of the country. The Opposition also raised concerns about the impact on regional parties and the representation of diverse interests.
However, the government defended the bills, stating that they would promote stability, reduce expenditure, and strengthen democracy. It also sent the bills to a Joint Parliamentary Committee for further discussion.
FAQs
1. What is the main benefit of ONE? Reducing the cost and disruption caused by multiple elections.
2. How would ONE affect the tenure of state governments? It would align the tenure of central and state governments, enabling better coordination and policy implementation.
3. What are the arguments against ONE? Opponents argue that it would undermine the federal structure and reduce the representation of diverse interests.
4. Is ONE a new concept in India? No, the idea has been debated for several years. However, it has not been implemented yet.
5. What is the current status of the ONE bills? The bills have been introduced in Parliament and sent to a Joint Parliamentary Committee for further discussion.
Conclusion
The debate over ONE is likely to continue as the Joint Parliamentary Committee examines the bills and seeks public feedback. The eventual outcome of this process will determine whether India adopts simultaneous elections for the Lok Sabha and state assemblies.
In response to Pakistan's escalating actions along India's western borders, the Indian Army launched Operation Sindoor and neutralized nine terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. In the wake of Pakistan's drone attacks, the Indian Army has demonstrated its robust air defense systems and declared zero tolerance for any violations of India's sovereignty. Fragments and debris of an unidentified projectile were also recovered from Punjab and Rajasthan, indicating the aggressive intentions of Pakistan.
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Members of the Kashmiri Pandit Association and the Jammu and Kashmir Dogra Samaj gathered in Mumbai to honor and mourn the Hindu civilians brutally killed in Pahalgam, Kashmir. The community representatives stated that the victims were targeted solely for their religious identity, reigniting concerns about minority safety in the conflict-prone region. The attendees stood in silence, holding placards and candles, to remember the victims and to demand justice and protection for vulnerable communities. The organizers emphasized the need for national unity and called upon authorities to take swift action against such attacks. They also stressed the importance of civil society standing up against communal violence through peaceful but firm action.
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In a closed-door consultation, the UN Security Council discussed the recent terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir and called for de-escalation between India and Pakistan. The meeting, called by Greece, did not result in a statement, but Pakistan claimed its objectives were "largely served". The UNSC President described it as a "productive and helpful" meeting, while Pakistan's Permanent Representative stated that their objectives of having a discussion on the situation and the need for dialogue were achieved.
The ongoing farmers' movement in India is facing further obstacles as senior leaders, including Jagjit Singh Dallewal, have been placed under house arrest a day before a scheduled protest. This move by Indian authorities has been met with criticism from farmer organizations, who were planning a peaceful protest outside a police station. The arrests are being seen as a preemptive measure by the authorities, who fear a large-scale gathering against the government's alleged use of repressive methods. In the midst of this, Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge is set to address a rally as part of the party's 'Save the Constitution' campaign in Jharkhand.
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