In a significant move towards implementing the ?One Nation, One Election? framework, 12 Rajya Sabha members have been nominated to the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) tasked with examining the feasibility and impact of conducting simultaneous elections for the Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha, and local bodies across India.
Prominent members from the Rajya Sabha nominated to the committee include K Laxman, Randeep Singh Surjewala, Sanjay Singh, Ghanshyam Tiwari, and Vijayasai Reddy. Union Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal had earlier recommended that the relevant bills be referred to the JPC, which now comprises 39 members?27 from the Lok Sabha and 12 from the Rajya Sabha.
Committee?s Composition
The expanded JPC includes key figures from various political parties:
- Rajya Sabha MPs: Bhubaneshwar Kalita, Kavita Patidar, Sanjay Kumar Jha, Mukul Balkrishna Wasnik, Saket Gokhale, P.S. Wilson, Manas Ranjan Mangraj, and V.S. Vijaysai Reddy, alongside others.
- Lok Sabha MPs: Previously announced members include BJP's Baijayant Panda and Sanjay Jaiswal, Samajwadi Party's Chhotalal, Shiv Sena (UBT)'s Anil Desai, LJP's Shambhavi, and CPI(M)'s K. Radhakrishnan.
Bills Under Review
The JPC will scrutinize two pivotal bills introduced in Parliament:
- The Constitution (One Hundred and Twenty-Ninth Amendment) Bill, 2024
- The Union Territories Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2024
These bills propose constitutional amendments to enable simultaneous elections?a concept aimed at reducing electoral costs and streamlining governance. However, the idea has sparked heated debates in Parliament. While 269 members supported the introduction of the bills, 196 opposed them, reflecting the divided opinion on the proposal.
Political Reactions
The concept of ?One Nation, One Election? has received mixed reactions from political parties. Proponents argue that it will save time and resources, while critics warn of risks to federalism and concerns about logistical challenges.
The JPC will now delve into these concerns, weigh the pros and cons, and provide recommendations to Parliament. With prominent leaders from diverse political affiliations onboard, the committee?s findings are expected to play a crucial role in shaping India?s electoral future.
