Parliament Winter Session: 'One Nation, One Election' Bill Delayed as Revised LS Agenda Drops Monday’s Discussion
The 'One Nation, One Election' Bill has been omitted from the Lok Sabha's revised Business List for Monday, fueling speculation that the government may introduce it later in the week.
The 'One Nation, One Election' Bill, officially known as the Constitution (One Hundred and Twenty-Ninth Amendment) Bill, 2024, will not be introduced in the Lok Sabha on Monday as initially scheduled. The Revised Business List of the Lower House for the day does not mention the Bill.
The original agenda had listed the Bill for Monday, with Union Minister of Law and Justice Arjun Ram Meghwal scheduled to seek leave to introduce the constitutional amendment. The Bill aims to facilitate simultaneous elections for the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies.
Additionally, Meghwal was to move the Union Territories Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2024, which seeks to amend the Government of Union Territories Act, 1963, the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi Act, 1991, and the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019. This Bill also includes provisions for aligning elections in Delhi, Jammu and Kashmir, and Puducherry.
With the revised agenda omitting these Bills, speculation is rife that the government may bring them later in the week or introduce them at the last minute through a 'Supplementary List of Business', pending the Speaker's approval, news agency IANS reported citing sources. The ongoing winter session of Parliament is set to conclude on 20 December.
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Union Cabinet Approval To 'One Nation, One Election'
On Thursday, the Union Cabinet approved the Constitution (One Hundred and Twenty-Ninth Amendment) Bill and the Union Territories Laws (Amendment) Bill. Both were circulated to Members of Parliament on Friday evening.
The Constitution amendment proposal stems from recommendations made by a high-level committee led by former President Ram Nath Kovind. The committee’s report, prepared over 191 days and spanning 18,626 pages, highlighted the challenges of prolonged election cycles. It advocated simultaneous elections to enhance policy stability, reduce voter fatigue, and improve electoral participation.
Despite these recommendations, the Bill has faced criticism from opposition leaders. They argue that the proposal undermines federalism and is impractical. Several leaders have expressed concerns over its introduction during the ongoing session.
Meanwhile, Monday’s revised agenda includes another Bill from the law minister. The Readjustment of Representation of Scheduled Tribes in Assembly Constituencies of the State of Goa Bill, 2024, is set to be tabled. This Bill aims to ensure the reservation of seats for Scheduled Tribes in the Goa Legislative Assembly, as mandated by Article 332 of the Constitution.
It will also facilitate the readjustment of seats following the inclusion of certain communities in the Scheduled Tribes list in the state.
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