Naidu emphasised that ONOE would not significantly impact Andhra Pradesh, as the state has conducted simultaneous elections since 2004. “Elections should not hinder development,” TOI quoted Naidu as saying, reiterating TDP’s support for the ONOE Bill. He alleged that YSRCP leaders, under Reddy’s guidance, are uninformed about the framework.
In contrast, Union Law and Justice Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal is set to table The Constitution (One Hundred and Twenty-Ninth Amendment) Bill, 2024, on December 16 in the Lok Sabha. The bill aims to amend the Constitution to facilitate simultaneous Lok Sabha and State Assembly elections. A separate bill seeks to align the electoral schedules of Delhi, Jammu and Kashmir, and Puducherry.
Opposition concerns over ONOE
The ONOE proposal has sparked fierce criticism from opposition leaders, who argue it threatens India’s federal structure.
Congress MP Jairam Ramesh demanded that the bill be referred to a Joint Parliamentary Committee for thorough deliberation. Highlighting the party’s opposition, Ramesh noted, “This undermines democracy. Last year, our party president, Mallikarjun Kharge, had already sent a detailed letter to former President Ram Nath Kovind’s committee stating our concerns.”
PDP President Mehbooba Mufti also voiced apprehensions, accusing the NDA government of eroding India’s Constitution. “India is a federal country, and One Nation, One Election undermines this federal structure,” Mufti said at a PDP General Council meeting in Srinagar, as per a PTI report.
NDA’s push for simultaneous polls
Despite opposition, the BJP-led NDA alliance supports the ONOE initiative, citing benefits like time savings and streamlined governance. Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised the proposal as a milestone for India’s democracy following its approval by the Union Cabinet earlier this week. The high-level committee chaired by former President Ram Nath Kovind recommended conducting all Lok Sabha, State Assembly, urban body, and panchayat elections within a 100-day window.
Proponents argue that the initiative would reduce election-related costs and minimise disruptions to governance.
(With inputs from agencies)
