New Delhi [India], December 17 : Congress MP Shashi Tharoor on Tuesday criticised the central government, stating that passing the 'One Nation, One Election' Bill as a constitutional amendment requires a two-thirds majority, which the BJP does not possess.
"Undoubtedly, the government has larger numbers on its side than us. In the JPC, they may even have a majority in terms of its composition. However, to pass it as a constitutional amendment, you need a two-thirds majority, which they very clearly don't have. It's obvious that they should not persist too long with this," Tharoor told ANI.
He further highlighted that the vast majority of parties in the House have strongly opposed the 'One Nation, One Election' Bill.
"It has been technically introduced, but you heard the objections from a lot of parties. In addition to all the very valid points made by Opposition members, there's also the question of depriving people of their mandate. The Constitution begins with the words 'We the people.' This is about the people of India. They should have the right to determine who forms their government. Imagine a situation where one government has to fall because another government collapses due to an arbitrary deadline. This whole concept makes no sense. In a parliamentary system, you cannot have fixed terms without completely playing havoc with our democracy. Let the JPC have a detailed discussion. However, from what was heard today, the vast majority of parties in the House have strongly opposed this approach," the Congress MP added.
Earlier today, 'The Constitution (One Hundred and Twenty-Ninth Amendment) Bill, 2024' and 'The Union Territories Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2024' were formally introduced in the Lok Sabha after members voted on it. The bill proposes 'One Nation, One Election,' or simultaneous elections to both the Lok Sabha and state assemblies. The bill will now be sent to a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) for further deliberations.
The Speaker of the Lok Sabha announced the results of the vote on the introduction of the bill. The vote recorded 269 members in favour (Ayes) and 196 against (Noes). This followed Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal's formal introduction of the Constitution (129th Amendment) Bill, 2024, and his agreement to send the bill to the JPC, in response to Union Home Minister Amit Shah's statement.
Speaking in the Lok Sabha, Amit Shah said, "When the One Nation, One Election Bill was taken up in the Cabinet for approval, PM Modi had said that it should be sent to the JPC for detailed discussion. If the Law Minister is willing to send the bill to the JPC, the discussion on its introduction can conclude."