Govt lists 'one nation, one election' Bills for introduction in Lok Sabha on Dec 16

The government has listed the ‘one nation, one election’ Bills for introduction in the Lok Sabha on December 16.

In the Legislative Bill Business segment, the Lok Sabha schedule for Monday says: Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal will move to introduce the Constitution (129th Amendment) Bill.

Another Bill, titled the Union Territories Laws (Amendment) Bill 2024, has also been listed against Meghwal's name for introduction. This seeks to amend the Government of UTs Act 1963, The Government of National Capital Territory of Act 1991 and the JK Reorganisation Act 2020.

The Constitution Amendment Bill will provide for simultaneous elections to Lok Sabha and state assemblies.

The other Bill will ensure the tenures of UT assemblies can be changed to synchronise with Lok Sabha and state assemblies.

The Union Cabinet, headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Thursday approved the ‘one nation, one election’ reform and legislation required to moot it.

India had simultaneous elections for the first three General Elections until 1962.

From the 1960s, however, the emergency provision contained in Article 356 was used to dissolve State Legislative Assemblies before the expiry of their tenure.

In addition, circumstances such as a hung house, no-confidence motions, and other such events resulted in premature dissolution of the House. As a result, over time, elections to the House of the People and State Legislative Assemblies became progressively asymmetric.