NEW DELHI, Dec 17: Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal today introduced two significant constitutional amendment bills in the Lok Sabha: the Constitution (One Hundred and Twenty-Ninth Amendment) Bill, 2024, and the Union Territories Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2024. These bills aim to pave the way for simultaneous elections to the Lok Sabha and state legislative assemblies, triggering intense reactions from across the political spectrum.
The proposed amendments include the addition of Article 82(A) to the Constitution, which would provide for simultaneous elections to the House of the People and all Legislative Assemblies. It also proposes amendments to Articles 83, 172, and 327. According to the bill, mid-term elections would only be held for legislatures dissolved before completing their full term, with such legislatures serving out the remainder of their five-year tenure.
As outlined in the bill circulated on December 13, the provisions would come into effect on an “appointed date” notified by the President, following the first sitting of the Lok Sabha after a general election. The timeline proposed suggests that simultaneous elections will begin in 2034, with the Lok Sabha elections in 2029 marking the transition.
The introduction of the bills sparked heated debates in the Lok Sabha. Congress MP Manish Tewari sharply criticized the proposal, claiming it violates the Constitution’s basic structure doctrine. “Introduction, consideration of ‘One Nation, One Election’ bills is beyond the legislative competence of this House. I urge the government to withdraw it,” he said.
Samajwadi Party MP Dharmendra Yadav also voiced strong opposition, calling the bills an attempt by the BJP to impose a “dictatorship” on the country. Similarly, Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Kalyan Banerjee accused the government of pushing a personal agenda, stating, “These bills are not about reforming elections but fulfilling one gentleman’s desire and dream.”
Despite the uproar, the Lok Sabha proceeded with an initial debate, leading to a division of votes. A total of 269 members voted in favor of introducing the bills, while 198 opposed. The bills are now expected to be referred to a joint committee of both Houses for detailed deliberations.
