‘One Nation, One Election’ bill postponed; financial business takes priority

The much-anticipated ‘One Nation, One Election’ bills, originally scheduled for introduction in the Lok Sabha on December 16, have been deferred, as per a revised list of business issued on Sunday. This delay comes as the government shifts focus to financial business, including the passage of supplementary demands for grants.

The two proposed bills—the Constitution (129th Amendment) Bill and the Union Territories Laws (Amendment) Bill—were listed in the initial agenda released on Friday. However, they were conspicuously absent from the revised list issued over the weekend. The rationale behind the postponement remains undisclosed, leaving political observers speculating on potential strategic and procedural reasons.

Government sources indicate that these bills, which aim to facilitate simultaneous elections to the Lok Sabha and state assemblies, could still be introduced later in the week. Their introduction is expected to follow the discussion and passage of crucial financial matters. These include supplementary demands for grants, which are a priority for the Winter Session of Parliament.

Despite being removed from the formal agenda, the government retains the flexibility to introduce legislative proposals through a 'Supplementary List of Business,' pending the Speaker’s approval. This procedural option allows for last-minute adjustments to the parliamentary schedule, ensuring that key legislative priorities can still be addressed within the session’s timeframe.

The circulation of the ‘One Nation, One Election’ bills to Members of Parliament last week reflects the government’s continued commitment to this legislative reform, a key promise in the BJP’s Lok Sabha election manifesto. The bills aim to streamline electoral processes and reduce the frequency of polls, a proposal that has sparked significant political and constitutional debate.

The Winter Session of Parliament, which commenced on December 4, is set to conclude on December 20. As the session enters its final stretch, the government is expected to strike a balance between advancing its legislative agenda and addressing financial imperatives.