The Union government introduced two Bills in the Lok Sabha for implementing "One Nation, One Election" to hold simultaneous Lok Sabha and State Assembly elections.
The Opposition demanded a vote on the Bill's introduction, with 263 in favor and 198 against, indicating the government's lack of a two-thirds majority to pass the constitutional amendments.
A 39-member House panel will examine the two Bills.
The Bills align with the recommendations of a committee chaired by former President Ram Nath Kovind, proposing simultaneous elections
The amendment seeks to introduce a provision for simultaneous elections, potentially beginning in 2034 unless Lok Sabha terms are shortened.
If a State Assembly is dissolved early, midterm elections will be held, but the new Assembly’s tenure will end five years from the "appointed date."
The Bill gives the Election Commission the power to defer or avoid elections in some states, but their tenure would still sync with the Lok Sabha elections.
Critics argue the proposal is anti-federal, as it centralizes power and undermines the distinct roles of different governance levels.
The rationale of saving costs through simultaneous elections is questioned, as holding multiple elections for shorter periods contradicts this goal.
The move is seen as aligning with the BJP/NDA's centralizing agenda, which diminishes the importance of state elections and federalism.
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