Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal tabled the Constitution Amendment Bill for ‘One Nation, One Election’ (ONOE) in the Lok Sabha on Tuesday, triggering intense protests from Opposition parties who labeled it “anti-constitutional” and “anti-democratic.”
The ONOE Bill proposes holding simultaneous elections for the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies by synchronizing their tenures, a long-standing poll promise of the BJP-led NDA. It seeks to streamline the electoral process and reduce the fiscal burden caused by frequent elections.
However, Opposition parties, including Congress, Trinamool Congress, Samajwadi Party, Shiv Sena (UBT), and AIMIM, opposed the Bill, calling it an assault on democracy. Congress leaders demanded an immediate withdrawal, criticizing the move as an attempt to impose authoritarian rule.
AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi accused the government of targeting regional parties, stating, “This legislation aims to maximize political gains for a certain party and pave the way for a presidential form of government.”
Home Minister Amit Shah countered the Opposition’s claims, remarking that it has become Congress’s “habit to oppose progressive legislations.” Shah emphasized that the ONOE Bill is a step towards simplifying elections and reducing expenditures.
Meanwhile, the TDP, a key BJP ally, extended full support to the Bill. The party argued that simultaneous elections would ease India’s fiscal burden and cut electoral expenses by over 40%.
Top Opposition leaders Rahul Gandhi, Mamata Banerjee, Akhilesh Yadav, and MK Stalin voiced strong objections, alleging the Bill threatens federalism and undermines democratic principles.
Reports suggest that the Bill may soon be referred to a Joint Committee of Parliament for broader consultation. The debate is expected to intensify as the ruling BJP pushes for the legislation while the Opposition remains steadfast in its resistance.
