Lagatar24 Desk
New Delhi: The government has deferred the introduction of the two critical One Nation, One Election (ONOE) bills in the Lok Sabha from Monday to Tuesday. The bills, which propose significant constitutional amendments to enable simultaneous elections, will now be introduced by Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal.
Initially scheduled for tabling on Monday, the Constitution 129th Amendment Bill and UTs Law Amendment Bill were removed from the revised list of business. Instead, the Readjustment of Representation of Scheduled Tribes in Assembly Constituencies of Goa Billwas listed for introduction by Meghwal.
Sources have attributed the deferral to the absence of Home Minister Amit Shah, who is currently on a two-day visit to Chhattisgarh. Shah is expected to be present in the Lok Sabha on Tuesday when the ONOE bills are introduced.
Monday’s Legislative Agenda
While the ONOE bills have been postponed, the government has a busy legislative schedule for Monday. Key items include discussions on Supplementary Demands for Grants and the Appropriation Bill. Meanwhile, the Rajya Sabha is set to begin a debate on the Constitution.
Consensus-Building for ONOE Bills
The ONOE bills, approved by the Cabinet on Thursday, are likely to be referred to a Joint Parliamentary Committee to foster consensus. The government’s move aims to address the challenges posed by the lack of a two-thirds majority required for the bills’ passage.
The proposed amendments represent a major reform in India’s electoral system, seeking to synchronize elections for the Lok Sabha, state assemblies, and local bodies to reduce costs and improve governance.
Key Developments to Watch
With the introduction of the ONOE bills scheduled for Tuesday, the focus will shift to the ensuing debates and discussions. The government’s strategy to secure support from opposition parties and stakeholders will be critical to the success of these reforms.