Chandigarh, Dec 17: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) national general secretary Tarun Chugh hailed the introduction of the Constitution (129th Amendment) Bill, 2024, popularly known as the Bill on “One Nation, One Election (ONOE)” by Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal on Tuesday in the Lok Sabha as an “epoch-making” step by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Chugh welcomed other bills scheduled for amendments to the Government of Union Territories Act, 1963, the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi Act, 1991, and the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019, which aim to align assembly elections in Delhi, Jammu Kashmir, and Puducherry with the proposed simultaneous elections.
In a statement, he said, “ One Nation One Election bill is an example of the PM Modi government’s commitment to ensuring the seamless and efficient functioning of our democratic processes. The provisions outlined in this bill will pave the way for the implementation of simultaneous elections across the country, a reform that promises to bring about unprecedented efficiency and coherence in our electoral system. By aligning the election schedules of the Lok Sabha and state assemblies, we will significantly reduce the frequency of elections, thereby minimizing the disruption to governance and public life.”
The BJP leader quoted the Union Law Minister’s reference to Article 327, which empowers Parliament to make provisions concerning elections to legislatures. Notably, Article 327 of the Indian Constitution grants Parliament the authority to make provisions concerning elections to both the Houses of Parliament and the Legislatures of States. This article allows Parliament to establish the necessary laws for the conduct of elections, including the preparation of electoral rolls, the delimitation of constituencies, and all other matters necessary for ensuring free and fair elections.
Article 327 essentially provides the framework within which the Indian electoral process operates, ensuring that elections are conducted in an organized and consistent manner across the country.
Chugh said, “This bill is not just a procedural change; it is a monumental step forward in the history of the Indian Constitution. It reflects our dedication to good governance and the progress of our nation.”
He said the ‘One Nation, One Election’ reform will enhance the stability of our political environment, allowing for more consistent and focused governance. It will also lead to substantial savings in terms of time, resources, and public expenditure, which can be redirected towards developmental activities, he added.
The BJP leader described ONOE as a Prime Minister’s visionary step in enhancing citizen-centric governance. “This reform is the best example of PM Modi’s unwavering commitment to ensuring good governance in our country. This is set to make a significant impact on the lives of millions of Indians,” he said
Chugh commended the visionary ONOE reform. “Together with the efforts of the Modi government, we can ensure that our democratic processes are more streamlined, efficient, and conducive to the overall growth and prosperity of our great nation.”
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