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Government sources said if the ‘One nation, one poll’ bill is introduced, it is likely to be referred to a joint parliamentary committee for wider consultation on the lines of the Waqf Amendment Bill
The Centre is yet to take a call on whether the ‘One nation, one poll’ bill be a comprehensive one or multiple. (Image: AP/File)
The central government is contemplating bringing the ‘One nation, one election’ bill during the ongoing winter session. The Union cabinet is yet to give its nod on the legislation, but the intent on bringing it is clear, sources said.
According to sources aware of the development, if not in the winter session, the ‘One nation one poll’ (ONOP) bill will be brought in the next session of Parliament, which is the budget session. Once it is introduced, it is likely to be referred to a joint parliamentary committee (JPC) for wider consultation on the lines of the Waqf Amendment Bill, sources said.
Sources said apart from discussions with state governments and political parties, the JPC will be mandated to hold talks with speakers of state assemblies and people from different walks of life. They said the Centre is yet to take a call on whether the bill be a comprehensive one or multiple, including those suggesting constitutional amendment, as per the Kovind committee that had recommended three legislations may be brought as part of the bill.
The government is also aware that a bill such as this will involve various steps to amend the Constitution, for which two-third majority is needed in both houses of Parliament. At present, it does not have the comfortable numbers.
Once the ONOP proposal was cleared by the Union cabinet in September, there was a buzz that the legislation could be introduced in the winter session. But, the Centre was keen on building a consensus before moving it before Parliament.
‘One nation one election’ is aimed at simultaneously conducting Lok Sabha and assembly elections. According to the government, this move will cut down on expenses and reduce logistical hurdles in the voting process.
Just before the Lok Sabha elections this year, a high-level committee headed by former president Ram Nath Kovind had submitted its report on the proposal. It had the participation from various political parties and Supreme Court judges.
In fact, Union ministers Rajnath Singh, Arjun Ram Meghwal and Kiren Rijiju had been appointed to hold talks with the opposition parties. While they have held consultations with some political parties, no one has reached out to major opposition parties like the Congress.
While announcing the cabinet’s decision, the government had said ONOP will be implemented in two phases as recommended by the Kovind committee. In the first phase, there are plans to conduct Lok Sabha and assembly polls simultaneously. The second phase will entail local body polls (panchayat and municipalities) within 100 days of general elections. Also, there are plans for a common electoral roll and the formation of an implementation group.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is a strong advocate of this reform. With this, the ruling regime can focus more on governance for its entire tenure and not get stuck with elections.
In fact, the BJP’s top leaders, including home minister Amit Shah, have said on multiple platforms that the ‘One nation, one election’ will be a reality before the 2029 polls. Even NDA partners, including Telugu Desam Party’s Chandrababu Naidu, are strong advocates of ONOP.