Home Minister Amit Shah Speaks During Constitution Debate In Rajya Sabha | Highlights
The 'One Nation, One Election' Bill, 2024, aims to hold simultaneous polls for the Lok Sabha and state assemblies. It will be tabled in the Lok Sabha and likely referred to a JPC for deliberations.
Background
The Constitution (One Hundred and Twenty-Ninth Amendment) Bill, 2024, commonly known as the 'One Nation, One Election' Bill, was tabled in the Lok Sabha on Tuesday. Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal introduced the proposed legislation, which is likely to be forwarded to a Joint Parliamentary Committee for broader deliberations.
The Congress, TMC, and SP have vehemently opposed the introduction of the Bill, calling it "unconstitutional" and "fulfilment of one man's desire".
According to the agenda released, Meghwal is expected to request Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla to refer the Bill to the Joint Committee. This committee will be formed based on proportional representation reflecting the party-wise strength of MPs, as reported by PTI. A party official noted on Monday that the chairmanship of the panel would go to the BJP, given its status as the largest party in Parliament.
As per procedural rules, if political parties fail to submit their chosen representatives for the panel to the Speaker, they risk forfeiting their spots. The Speaker is anticipated to announce the composition of the committee by Tuesday evening, following the Bill's introduction. Initially, the committee's duration will be set at 90 days, with a possibility of extension if required.
In addition to this legislation, Meghwal is also expected to present the Union Territories Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2024, reported news agency PTI. This Bill aims to hold simultaneous elections across the Union Territories, including Jammu and Kashmir, Puducherry, and Delhi.
Meanwhile, both the Congress and Shiv Sena have issued whips asking their MPs to be present in the House. Shrirang Barne, the Shiv Sena's chief whip in the Lok Sabha, highlighted the significance of the legislative agenda, urging MPs to attend due to "crucial issues and legislative business" set for discussion.
The Shiv Sena faction, led by Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, remains a key BJP ally. Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who is also a part of the high-level committee led by former President Ram Nath Kovind, is also likely to be in attendance when the Bill is introduced. The Kovind-led panel had earlier presented a report batting for the simultaneous elections to Lok Sabha, state assemblies, and local bodies in a phased manner.
Congress MLA Aradhana Mishra Mona Says 'ONOE Bill Introduced Solely To Divert Attention From Adani'
On 'One Nation, One Election Bill' Congress MLA Aradhana Mishra Mona, said: "The bill has just been introduced, and discussions will take place. I want to say that the ‘One Nation, One Election’ bill brought by the government has been introduced solely to divert attention from Adani Ji, and other major issues."
Congress MP Pramod Tiwari Slams Amit Shah's Rajya Sabha Speech, Says 'Saddened That It Was Full Of Lies'
Congress MP Pramod Tiwari slammed Home Minister Amit Shah's Rajya Sabha speech on the Constitution debate saying, "I am saddened that Amit Shah Ji's speech today was full of lies. He may have come today with a decision not to speak the truth".
VIDEO | "I am saddened that Amit Shah Ji's speech today was full of lies. He may have come today with a decision not to speak the truth," says Congress MP Pramod Tiwari (@pramodtiwari700) on Home Minister Amit Shah's speech in Parliament.
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) December 17, 2024
(Full video available on PTI Videos -… pic.twitter.com/yECNWtBYqF
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