New Delhi, Dec 17, 2024: Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal introduced the Constitution (One Hundred and Twenty-Ninth Amendment) Bill, 2024 and the Union Territories Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2024 in the Lok Sabha on Tuesday, aiming to facilitate simultaneous Lok Sabha and assembly elections across India.
The bills’ introduction witnessed heated debates, with sharp criticism from Opposition parties, including the Congress, Samajwadi Party, and Trinamool Congress. Following the discussions, a division of votes was called, resulting in 269 MPs supporting the motion while 198 opposed it.
The bills are expected to be referred to a joint parliamentary committee for further deliberation. The Opposition parties raised concerns about the impact of the proposal on federalism and regional governance.
This marks a significant step in the government’s push for the ‘One Nation, One Election’ initiative, which seeks to streamline the electoral process in the country.
