New Delhi
After getting the approval of Modi Cabinet, One Country One Election Bill will be presented in Parliament on Monday 16th December. Union Law and Justice Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal will present this bill in the Lok Sabha. This will be the One Hundred and Twenty-Ninth Amendment Bill. Let us tell you that former President Ramnath Kovind was made the chairman of the committee for One Country One Chuna. After his recommendations, it has now been passed by the cabinet also.
The cabinet had given the green signal just two days ago
The committee headed by Ramnath Kovind had sent a recommendation to the Modi cabinet, after which it was approved. Now Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal will present this bill in Parliament. Earlier, Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan had also expressed the need for this in the rally. Former President Kovind had described this initiative as a “game-changer” for India’s democracy. Meghwal will introduce the Constitution (129th Amendment) Bill and the Union Territory Laws (Amendment) Bill. The aim of these draft laws is to conduct simultaneous elections across the country.
Opposition against this bill
While NDA constituents are in support of it, opposition parties under the Bharat faction including Congress, AAP and Trinamool Congress have expressed concerns about the impact of simultaneous elections on regional autonomy and electoral fairness. They argue that the move could centralize power and weaken federal principles. The Kovind-led panel had reviewed the electoral systems in countries like Germany, Indonesia and Japan. He said simultaneous elections could bring administrative stability, encourage voter participation and potentially boost GDP by 1.5%.
Recommendation to hold simultaneous elections in the country
A high-level committee was formed on 2 September 2023 under the chairmanship of former President of India Ramnath Kovind. Its purpose is to make recommendations for holding simultaneous elections. The Kovind Committee had submitted its recommendations to the President on March 14, 2024, in which it was recommended to hold simultaneous elections for the Lok Sabha and all the legislatures.
The Kovind Committee had recommended holding Lok Sabha and Assembly elections in the first phase. It was recommended to hold local body elections within 100 days. There were eight members in this committee including Ramnath Kovind.
