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.

17/12/2024 23:39:43

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." 

17/12/2024 20:43:01

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".

17/12/2024 20:13:05

Rajya Sabha Adjourned Till Wednesday

After Home Minister Amit Shah's reply on the Constitution debate, the Rajya Sabha has now been adjourned till Wednesday, December 18, 11 AM.

 

17/12/2024 20:06:30

'BJP Government Will Bring Uniform Civil Code In Every State', Says Amit Shah In Rajya Sabha

Amit Shah said that Congress’s move to bring Muslim personal law was the beginning of appeasement politics in the country, asserting that the BJP will bring Uniform Civil Code in every state.

"Jammu and Kashmir has attracted investment worth Rs 1.19 lakh crore in last 5 years," Home Minister added.

17/12/2024 20:03:48

'One Nation, One Election Bill Is A Revolutionary Change,' Says BJP National General Secretary Tarun Chugh

On the 'One Nation, One Election' bill, BJP National General Secretary Tarun Chugh said: "I thank PM Modi from the bottom of my heart for realizing the initiative of One Nation One Election and getting the related bill introduced in the House through Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal. One Nation One Election is a revolutionary change. ‘One Nation One Election’ does not violate any fundamental right or provision contained in the Constitution of India, rather it will provide the citizens of India their rights and save them from the burden of the continuous electoral process. I also request the opposition to become a partner in this instead of doing politics… "

17/12/2024 19:02:03

Home Minister Amit Shah Speaks During Constitution Debate In Rajya Sabha

Union Home Minister Amit Shah while speaking while replying to a debate in Rajya Sabha on 75 years of the Constitution of India said, "On one hand, this debate will make people realise how the country has moved forward because of the Constitution, and on the other hand, it also makes us realise that it is because of the basic sentiments of the Constitution that the very foundations of democracy have been deepened in the last 75 years."

17/12/2024 18:16:11

Reliance To Develop Indigenous E-Commerce Retail Platform With Shein, Says Piyush Goyal

In response to a question in Lok Sabha, Minister Piyush Goyal informed that though the Chinese Fashion Brand Shein application, used in both Mobile and Non-Mobile Internet-enabled devices, was blocked on 29.06.2020 by MeITY, under section 69A of the IT Act 2000 due to concerns related to data security and privacy, Sale of Shein branded products in India was "not banned".

He informed that Reliance Retail Ventures Limited (RRVL), India through its subsidiary RRL (Reliance Retail Ltd), has entered into a technology agreement with Roadget Business Pte. Limited (Shein) based in Singapore to develop an Indigenous e-commerce retail platform.

Accordingly, MeITY & Home Ministry both conveyed No Objection to the Proposal of RRVL. The license agreement covered the protection that ownership and control of the platform will always remain with RRVL through its wholly owned subsidiary. The agreement requires consenting parties to follow Indian Laws and ensure localization of infrastructure and platform data.

17/12/2024 17:53:06

Ramdas Athwale Files Written Reply In Lok Sabha For Vacant Teaching Posts In Central Universities

In a written reply in LS, Social Justice and Empowerment Minister Ramdas Athwale informed the house that, "As per information received from Ministry of Education, there are 18,940 sanctioned teaching posts and 3,5640 sanctioned non-teaching posts in Central Universities. The details of the number of seats reserved for SC/ST/OBC for teaching and non-teaching posts in Central Universities that Remain Vacant as of 31.10.2024 are as given

Category SC- Vacancy 2207
Category ST- Vacancy 1479
Category OBC- Vacancy 3440
Total- 7126

As informed by UGC, data regarding number of seats reserved for SC/ST/OBC in Central Universities vacant since 2014 are not maintained by the UGC."

17/12/2024 17:35:18

'Trying To Take A Presidential Form Of Gov, Hits Basic Structure Of Constitution', Says Kalyan Banerjee

TMC MP Kalyan Banerjee said, "It hits the basic structure of the Constitution. It is contrary to Article 83 sub-article 2(1)... Thirdly, the state assembly will depend upon the desired doctrine of the central parliament. Whenever the parliament will dissolve, then all state elections have to be done. State assembly and state government are not subordinate to the Parliament and the central government. They have their respective jurisdiction... After it comes into force, if a state government fails, then for that state another election has to be done for the unspent period. How it can win one nation, one election?... They want to change the constitutional structure. It is trying to take a presidential form of the government into the country..."

 

17/12/2024 17:18:42

'Don't Want Development To Be Stopped By Frequent Elections': Rajasthan Minister Jogaram Patel On ONOE Bill

On the 'One Nation, One Election' Bill, Rajasthan Minister Jogaram Patel said: "The bill has been introduced in Lok Sabha and has been referred to the JPC. The proper discussion will take place on the bill in JPC and I am hopeful that the bill will be passed in parliament...We don't want the development to be stopped by frequent elections..."

17/12/2024 17:12:39

Rahul Gandhi To Chair Meeting Of Lok Sabha MPs Of Congress On Thursday

LoP Rahul Gandhi to chair meeting of Lok Sabha MPs of Congress Parliamentary Party on December 19 in Parliament House Annexe.

17/12/2024 16:31:09

'How Is One Nation, One Election Unconstitutional?' Asks Union Minister Chirag Paswan

Union minister Chirag Paswan questioned the Opposition’s remarks on 'One Nation, One Election' and asked how the bill is "unconstitutional and against federalism".

"How is this bill unconstitutional and against federalism? At least one member of the Opposition should tell how is it against federalism...The Opposition is an expert in telling lies and setting false narratives. They should talk based on merits. Aren't so many regional parties supporting it?..."

17/12/2024 16:10:56

Union Minister Pemmasani Chandra Sekhar Says TDP Has Given Unequivocal Support For ONOE Bill

On 'One Nation, One Election' bill, TDP leader and Union Minister Dr Pemmasani Chandra Sekhar says, "From the TDP side, we have given unequivocal support for the entire bill because it reduces the election expenditure, streamlines the electoral process, increases the voter turnaround and overall it helps the administration and the country. So, we support it..."

17/12/2024 16:10:43

Union Minister Pemmasani Chandra Sekhar Says TDP Has Given Unequivocal Support For ONOE Bill

On 'One Nation, One Election' bill, TDP leader and Union Minister Dr Pemmasani Chandra Sekhar says, "From the TDP side, we have given unequivocal support for the entire bill because it reduces the election expenditure, streamlines the electoral process, increases the voter turnaround and overall it helps the administration and the country. So, we support it..."

17/12/2024 15:57:36

Here's What Congress MP Manish Tiwari Said On 'One Nation, One Election' Bill

On 'the One Nation, One Election' bill, Congress MP Manish Tewari said, "We voted against the introduction of the Bill. If the government wants to refer it to the JPC, that's their prerogative."

17/12/2024 15:35:30

'This Whole Thing Makes No Sense,' Says Congress's Shashi Tharoor On 'One Nation, One Election' Bill

Reacting to the 'One Nation, One Election' Bill, Congress leader Shashi Tharoor told news agency ANI, "This whole thing (ONOE bill) makes no sense," adding that "In a parliamentary system, there is no way that you can have fixed terms without completely playing havoc with our democracy."

"It is technically introduced, but you heard from the objections of a lot of parties. In addition to all the very valid objections made by the opposition members, there's also the question of depriving our people's mandate. They have the right to vote. The Constitution begins with the words 'we the people'. This is about the people of India," he added.

Tharoor said, "They should have the right to determine who forms their government and imagine a situation where one government has to fall because another government falls because of an arbitrary deadline."

17/12/2024 15:22:02

Bihar Deputy CM Samrat Choudhary Urges Political Parties To Welcome 'One Nation, One Election' Bill

After the 'One Nation, One Election' bill was introduced in Lok Sabha earlier today after the division of votes, Bihar Deputy CM Samrat Choudhary said, "I will urge all the parties to welcome this concept of ‘One Nation, One Election'."

17/12/2024 15:17:31

'Rahul Gandhi Says One Statement And Congress Keeps...': Pralhad Joshi On 'One Nation, One Election' Bill

On the 'One Nation, One Election' Bill, Union Minister Pralhad Joshi said: "For overall development and progress of the country, all elections will be held once every 5 years. It is in the best interest of the country. All parties should give their suggestions but not oppose the bill only for the sake of opposing it. How is this against the federal structure? Are we reducing the legislative or executive powers of the states? Why are you (the Opposition) misleading? Rahul Gandhi says one statement and all Congress leaders keep saying the same thing."

17/12/2024 15:13:18

Lok Sabha Resumes Proceedings

The Lok Sabha proceedings have resumed after adjournment till 3 PM.

17/12/2024 14:12:54

Will 'One Nation, One Election' Bill Be Sent To JPC? Speaker To Decide AT 3 PM

Lok Sabha adjourned till 3 PM. Speaker Om Birla is likely to take a decision on whether the 'One Nation, One Election' Bill will be sent to a JPC or not after the session resumes.

17/12/2024 14:01:00

'One Nation, One Election' Bill Reintroduced In Lok Sabha After Two Rounds Of Voting

The 'One Nation, One Election' Bill has been introduced in the Lok Sabha with a majority of 269 votes in the second round of the voting. The Bill received 198 votes against its introduction.

17/12/2024 13:33:44

Arjun Ram Meghwal Moves Motion To Introduce 'One Nation, One Election' Bills | LIVE

Voting on 'One Nation, One Election' Bill introduction and JPC consideration is underway. The first voting gave a result of 220 votes in favour and 149 against the motion, with a total of369 members voting. After protests by the Opposition post the first round of voting, Speaker Om Birla decided to conduct another round of voting for the members who felt their response needed to be recorded again.

 

Screenshot_2024-12-17_132554

17/12/2024 13:21:04

Voting On 'One Nation, One Election' Bill To Be Historic With Debut Poll Using AVRS

The Lok Sabha is conducting the first vote by automatic vote recording system (AVRS). These are electronic machines that will record the vote divisions on whether the 'one nation, one election' Bill should be sent to a JPC for discussion.

17/12/2024 13:13:54

'One Nation, One Election' Bill Likely To Be Sent To JPC

The 'One Nation, One Election' Bill is likely to be sent to a Joint Parliamentary Committee for review if a proposal by Union minister Arjun Ram Meghwal is accepted.

17/12/2024 12:50:43

'One Nation, One Election' Bill Introduced Only To Massage Ego Of Supreme Leader: Asaduddin Owaisi

Parliament is not competent to make any law that violates fundamental rights. This Bill will indirectly introduce a presidential style of democracy; it will maximise political convenience; and this Bill will finish regional political parties. This Bill has been introduced only to massage the ego of the Supreme Leader: AIMIM leader Asaduddin Owaisi.

 

17/12/2024 12:46:25

TDP Backs 'One Nation, One Election' Bill | LIVE

If simultaneous elections are held, voter turnout will increase... I support the 'One Nation, One Election' Bill: MoS and TDP leader Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani.

17/12/2024 12:37:19

Election Commissioners Should Also Be Directly Elected: Shiv Sena-UBT

"Even Election Commissioners should be elected by people. In the last three years, we saw the poll body make decisions not acceptable to the principles of democracy... We oppose the 'one nation, one election' Bill": Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Anil Desai.

17/12/2024 12:27:07

'One Nation, One Election' Bill LIVE Updates: Kalyan Banerjee Calls Bill Fulfilment Of 1 'Gentleman's Desire'

'One Nation, One Election' is not an election reform. It is just fulfilment of one gentleman's desire: TMC MP Kalyan Banerjee takes a dig at Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

17/12/2024 12:20:06

'One Nation, One Election' Bill LIVE Updates: Govt Can't Even Hold Simultaneous Polls In 8 States, Says SP

Samajwadi Party MP from Azamgarh says: "A government that can't hold simultaneous elections in 8 states is pitching for concurrent polls in all states and the Lok Sabha because it is scared of losing polls. This should be withdrawn."

17/12/2024 12:16:17

'One Nation, One Election' Bill LIVE Updates: Congress Seeks Withdrawal

Congress leader Manish Tewari has demanded the withdrawal of the ''One Nation, One Election' Bill, saying its introduction was beyond the legislative competence of the Parliament.

17/12/2024 12:12:11

Parliament LIVE Updates: 'One Nation, One Election' Bill Tabled In Lok Sabha For Discussion. WATCH

Union Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal has introduced the Constitution (One Hundred and Twenty-Ninth Amendment) Bill, 2024, also known as the 'One Nation, One Election' Bill.

17/12/2024 12:08:56

Speaker Om Birla Presides Over Lok Sabha Proceedings | Parliament LIVE Updates

Speaker Om Birla has taken over from Deputy Speaker Sandhya Ray and is now presiding over the proceedings.

17/12/2024 12:03:07

'One Nation, One Election' Bill To Be Introduced Shortly In Lok Sabha | LIVE Updates

The 'One Nation, One Election' Bill will be introduced in Lok Sabha shortly.

17/12/2024 11:25:07

'One Nation, One Election' Bill LIVE Updates: AAP, TMC Oppose Bill For Simultaneous Elections

AAP MP Gurmeet Singh Meet Hayer has questioned the intent of the BJP-NDA government behind introducing the 'One Nation, One Election Bill'. He said: "With what intention has the BJP government been working for the last 11 years? They are not doing anything to fulfil the promises they made to the people. They are not doing anything about the demands of people. They are bringing in new Bills on things that have not even been demanded. Who demanded 'One Nation One Election'? It is a federal structure, different states have different issues addressed by the regional parties...They should bring policies that will benefit the people of the state. They want to impose such things just to create controversy so that attention can be diverted from real public issues of inflation, unemployment...AAP will definitely oppose it..."

The TMC's Saugata Roy has also said that his party would oppose the Bill.

17/12/2024 11:12:48

Parliament LIVE Updates: Opposition MPs Protest Violence Against Hindus In Bangladesh

Opposition MPs are holding another protest on the Parliament premises over atrocities against Hindus in Bangladesh.

17/12/2024 10:56:37

'One Nation, One Election' Bill LIVE Updates: Cutting Short Tenure Of State Assemblies Against Constitution, Says Congress

Congress MP Manish Tewari has cited fundamental "constitutional" issues in the implementation of the 'One Nation, One Election' policy.  Tewari said: "It is against the basic structure of the Constitution. India is a union of states. So, you cannot arbitrarily cut short the tenure of state assemblies. The fundamental principles of federalism envisage that the centre and the state are equal partners in the Indian constitutional scheme. How can you make the tenure of the state assemblies subject to the tenure of Parliament? Under what provision of the Constitution do you get that leverage?"

17/12/2024 10:35:59

One Nation One Election Bill LIVE Updates: Sharad Pawar's NCP Demands JPC

One Nation One Election Bill: NCP-SCP MP Supriya Sule said: "We are demanding the Bill be sent to JPC and discussions held on it."

17/12/2024 10:15:58

'One Nation, One Election' Bill LIVE Updates: Shiv Sena To Oppose Bill For Simultaneous Polls

Shiv Sena Rajya Sabha MP Priyanka Chaturvedi has said: "There was a comprehensive two-day debate over the Constitution in Lok Sabha. The Rajya Sabha is also debating over the same topic. By bringing the 'One Nation, One Election' Bill, they are reaffirming that they don't have any faith in the Constitution. This Bill is against the Constitution, democracy and federal structure of India. We shall strongly oppose this Bill."

17/12/2024 10:05:15

'One Nation, One Election' Bill: Centre's Intent On Bill Not Right, Says Congress

'One Nation, One Election' Bill: Congress leader Pramod Tiwari says, "The government is presenting the Bill in the House... You will see they will hand over it to a committee because they are not ready. They very well know that neither their policy nor their intention is right. They know that they cannot get this passed; they should have rather discussed it with Opposition parties."

17/12/2024 09:55:07

One Nation, One Election Bill: Manish Tewari Moves Adjournment Notice

'One Nation, One Election' Bill: Congress MP Manish Tewari has moved an Adjournment Motion Notice in Lok Sabha, opposing the One Nation One Election' Bill. The Bill for simultaneous elections, which is set to be tabled today by Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal, was cleared by the Union Cabinet last week.