IT News
Imphal, Dec 17:
Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal today tabled two key 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. The bills propose the implementation of simultaneous Lok Sabha and state assembly elections, a move that sparked sharp reactions across party lines.
The bills suggest adding Article 82(A), which provides for simultaneous elections to the House of the People and all Legislative Assemblies, and amending Articles 83, 172, and 327. A copy of the bill circulated on December 13 outlines that mid-term elections will only be conducted for legislatures dissolved before completing their full term, with such legislatures serving the remainder of their five-year tenure. The provisions of the amendment are slated to take effect on an “appointed date,” notified by the President, following the first sitting of the Lok Sabha after a general election. Simultaneous elections are expected to commence in 2034, with the next Lok Sabha elections in 2029 marking the transition.
The introduction of the bills triggered fierce opposition from various political parties. Congress MP Manish Tewari criticized the proposal, arguing that it violates the basic structure doctrine of the Constitution. “Introduction, consideration of one nation, one election bills beyond the legislative competence of this House, urge govt to withdraw it,” he said in the Lok Sabha.
Samajwadi Party MP Dharmendra Yadav echoed the opposition, labeling the bills as an attempt by the BJP to impose “dictatorship” on the country. Similarly, Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Kalyan Banerjee accused the government of pursuing a personal agenda, stating, “These bills are not about reforming elections but fulfilling one gentleman’s desire and dream.”
After an initial round of debate, the Opposition sought a division of votes as the motion to introduce the bills was moved. The Lok Sabha saw 269 members voting in favor and 198 against. The bills are expected to be referred to a joint committee of both Houses for further deliberation.
