One Nation One Election Bill Likely To Be Tabled In Current Parliament Session: Reports
Mumbai: The central government is considering introducing the ‘One Nation, One Election’ (ONOE) bill during the ongoing winter session of Parliament. While the Union Cabinet has not yet approved the legislation, sources indicate that the intent to bring it forward is clear. If not tabled in the winter session, the bill is expected to be introduced during the budget session. Once introduced, it is likely to be referred to a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) for wider consultation, similar to the process followed for the Waqf Amendment Bill.
According to sources, the JPC will engage in discussions with state governments, political parties, speakers of state assemblies, and representatives from various sectors. The Centre is still deliberating whether the bill will be a single comprehensive legislation or divided into multiple bills, possibly requiring constitutional amendments, as recommended by the Kovind Committee. This committee had suggested three legislations to facilitate the ONOE framework.
The proposal to amend the Constitution for ONOE would require a two-thirds majority in both houses of Parliament, a challenging feat given the current numbers. The Union Cabinet approved the ONOE proposal in September, sparking speculation that it might be introduced in the winter session. However, the government has emphasized the importance of building consensus before bringing it to Parliament.
The ONOE initiative aims to conduct Lok Sabha and state assembly elections simultaneously, a move the government believes will reduce election-related expenses and logistical challenges. In addition, the plan includes a common electoral roll and the formation of an implementation group.
A high-level committee, chaired by former President Ram Nath Kovind, submitted its report on the ONOE proposal earlier this year, with input from political parties and Supreme Court judges. Union ministers Rajnath Singh, Arjun Ram Meghwal, and Kiren Rijiju were tasked with consulting political parties, though engagement with major opposition parties like Congress remains limited.
The ONOE proposal outlines a phased implementation:
- Phase 1: Conduct Lok Sabha and state assembly elections simultaneously.
- Phase 2: Conduct local body elections (panchayats and municipalities) within 100 days of general elections.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is a strong proponent of ONOE, emphasizing that it will allow governments to focus more on governance rather than being continually engaged in election cycles. The BJP has expressed confidence that ONOE will become a reality before the 2029 elections, with support from NDA allies like Telugu Desam Party leader Chandrababu Naidu.
This reform is seen as a transformative step, though it remains contingent on building political consensus and navigating constitutional challenges.
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