'1 nation, 1 election' bill likely in winter session

NEW DELHI: Moving a step closer to synchronised polls to Parliament and all state assemblies in 2029, govt is likely to table enabling legislations on 'one nation, one election (ONOE)' in the winter session of Parliament starting November 25.

Tabling of the bills will follow a bid to forge a consensus by talking to the opposition, particularly Congress. Support from opposition and non-NDA parties will be needed to push through constitutional amendments .

Sources hinted that the bills would be tabled along with the Ramnath Kovind-led panel's report that recommended ONOE. After introduction of the bills, govt will initiate a debate in Parliament but may defer voting till a broad consensus is reached.

Parliamentary affairs minister Kiren Rijiju indicated govt's intent on Monday by saying, "Modiji had insisted that for the development of the country, polls should be held simultaneously every five years. Based on his insistence, the Kovind panel was formed and the report submitted was approved by the Union cabinet. Now, we are ready to bring the related legislation in Parliament."

He said that though there was scope for opposition in a democracy, the bills should not be opposed for opposition's sake, adding that there should be a discussion to let the country know why polls should be held together.

The first proposed constitutional amendment bill requires insertions under Article 82A, by amending Article 83 (duration of LS), and Article 172 (duration of state assemblies). For this amendment, the Kovind panel said, ratification by states was not needed. To synchronise polls to local bodies with general elections, a constitutional amendment will be required to Article 324A by amending Article 325. This will require ratification by states.