• Source:JND

One Nation One Election bill has been admitted in Lok Sabha on Tuesday with 269 MPs voting in favour of the bill, while 198 voting against in an electronic voting. Upon criticism from opposition parties, Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal said that the opposition's criticism was primarily based on legislative competence. He further suggested speaker Om Birla to refer the bill to the Joint Parliamentary Committee for a discussion.

Meghwal said that the Opposition criticised the bill, saying that it violates Article 360 (A). However, Article 360 (A) in the Constitution empowers the legislature to introduce the amendments. Meghwal also pointed out the criticism of Article 327 was not justified. He emphasised that it empowers the Parliament to make necessary amendments.Meghwal further stated that the reforms will not hamper the power of the states and the bill had nothing to do with damaging the federal structure of the country.

"Laws can be brought in for electoral reforms... this bill is aligned with the process of easing the electoral process, which will be synchronised. There will be no damage to the Constitution via this Bill. There will be no tampering with the basic structure of the Constitution," Meghwal said.

Along with Meghwal, Union Home Minister Amit Shah also proposed to send the ONOE bills to Joint Parliamentary Committee to ensure a detailed discussion. He stated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also favoured sending the bills to the JPC.

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The remarks from union ministers came after criticism from several opposition leaders. Supriya Sule, Member of Parliament from Baramati said that she was opposing the bill as it was completely against the federalism and constitution of India.

"I oppose the 129th Constitution Amendment Bill. This is completely against federalism and the Constitution of India. The Centre and states have their own tenures and to mix the two is not fair. Why are we giving the Election Commission the authority to dissolve the assembly. Either withdraw the bills or send it to joint Parliamentary Committee for detailed discussion," Sule said.

Apart from Sule, AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi criticised that the bill will wipe out the regional parties. "I oppose the draconian bill, which is in violation of the Constitution. This bill will wipe out the regional parties. This bill is only meant to massage the ego of the Supreme leader," Owaisi said.

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The Central government on Tuesday listed a constitutional amendment bill seeking to allow simultaneous Lok Sabha and assembly elections in the country. Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal tabled the bills for 'one nation, one election' in the Lok Sabha, following which the Lower House witnessed a heated discussion with the Opposition raising objections.

 

 


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