One Nation One Election: Even BJP’s ‘friend’ not with us on One Nation Election Bill, questions raised with opposition in JPC meeting

New Delhi: In the first meeting of the Joint Parliamentary Committee on the ‘One Nation, One Election’ bill, JDU and opposition parties on Wednesday raised questions on the practicality and implementation of the bill. This bill was introduced in the last session of Parliament to hold simultaneous elections in the country. Members of opposition parties raised issues of constitutionality and federalism of the bill.

BJP’s ally party also raised questions

At the same time, BJP’s ally JDU wanted to know how this bill will reduce election expenses if governments fall several times in one term. The YSRCP was skeptical of the use of EVMs and was suggesting a return to paper ballots. The proceedings of the parliamentary committee are confidential. Details of conversations between members during meetings are not made public.

JPC is investigating two bills

According to the Indian Express report, this 39-member committee is examining two bills. First, a Constitution Amendment Bill to combine the tenure of the Lok Sabha and the State Assemblies. Second, a Bill to amend the respective Acts for the Union Territories and the National Capital Territory of Delhi so as to enable simultaneous elections. On Wednesday, the committee received documents and representations related to the Law Ministry. NDA members defended the bill, saying it was not new and had been in process since 1957.

Committee members received thousands of pages of report

Each member of the committee was given a copy in English and Hindi of the report of the high-level committee on ‘One Nation, One Election’ chaired by former President Ram Nath Kovind. In addition, thousands of pages of reports were also found in the luggage case of the American Tourister. Also included are previous Law Commission and Parliamentary Standing Committee reports on the issue of simultaneous elections.

Opposition parties expressed objection

Congress and other opposition parties believe that the concept of simultaneous elections is against the Constitution and the federal structure of the country. TMC wants the committee to seek an extension of one year to submit its report as the subject matter the panel is investigating is very wide-ranging. TMC has also refuted the government’s claim that holding elections at different times leads to policy paralysis. TMC says the model code of conduct affects only those states where elections are being held and not other states.

Different parties have different opinions in the committee. JDU has repeatedly expressed concern about election expenses in case of fall of the government. YSRCP is insisting on using ballot paper instead of EVM. Opposition parties are raising questions on the Constitution and federalism. It will be interesting to see what the committee concludes in its final report.