One Nation One Election Bill: BJP MPs Absent During Lok Sabha Formal Presentation Sparks Debate

One Nation One Election Bill, Members of the Lok Sabha who were not present when the One Nation One Election bills were introduce on Tuesday may soon receive notices from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Union Ministers Nitin Gadkari, Jyotiraditya Scindia, and Giriraj Singh were among the well-known BJP MPs who did not attend. Discussions have been triggered by the absence, particularly in light of the significance of the proposed legislation.

What Happened During the Introduction of the Bills?

The Constitution (One Hundred and Twenty-Ninth Amendment) Bill, 2024, and the Union Territories Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2024 are the two bills that Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal submitted to the Lok Sabha. These steps aim to schedule the Lok Sabha and state assembly’ elections at the same time.

Members of the opposition wanted a division of votes and opposed the regulations’ introduction. The outcome? 196 MPs voted against the One Nation, One Election, compared to 269 who supported it. The legislation were successfully introduce in spite of the absences, and a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) will now study them.
 

Which Important BJP Members Were Absent?

Not just Union Ministers Jyotiraditya Scindia, Nitin Gadkari, and Giriraj Singh were absent. Jayant Kumar Roy, Jagdambika Pal, and Shantanu Thakur were among the other BJP MPs who did not attend. According to reports, about 20 members of the BJP did not attend the session

The opposition had more grounds to attack the BJP’s leadership because of its absence, even though it wasn’t important enough to ruin the introduction of the One Nation, One Election Bill.

What Is Important About the Absentees?

The BJP has dispatched a three-line whip to persuade its MPs to attend the meeting and support the implementation of these significant demands.

Disregarding such instructions is regarded as a major violation of party discipline. So why did these leaders fail to appear? We don’t yet know. It is unclear whether the party leadership was informed of the MPs’ absences, despite reports that suggest some may have been preoccupied with other obligations.

 

What Does the Opposition Have to Say?

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor wasn’t shy about pointing out the gaps in BJP’s strategy. While acknowledging that the government has the numbers for the introduction, he questioned its ability to secure the two-thirds majority needed to pass constitutional amendments. Tharoor pleaded with the administration to change course and refrain from enacting the measures without wider support.

 

“One Nation, One Election Bill”: What Is It?

For years, there has been discussion over the idea of holding elections at the same time. By holding state assembly and Lok Sabha votes simultaneously, the goal is to expedite the electoral process. Critics contend it might jeopardise federalism and create logistical difficulties, while supporters contend it would save time and money.

 

How Does It Operate?

In order to enable synchronised elections, the two bills that have been introduced seek to change the Constitution. They also contain clauses that deal with potential legal and administrative issues. But putting this idea into action is no easy task. A two-thirds majority in both Houses of Parliament is needed to modify the constitution. Even while the BJP now holds a sizable majority, it could not be enough without the backing of other parties.

What Will Happen to the Bills Next?

A JPC has been task with carefully reviewing the One Nation, One Election Bill. Before the measures are returned to Parliament for a vote, this stage guarantees a thorough discussion. Prime Minister Narendra Modi personally suggested including the JPC for a thorough assessment, according to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who underlined the significance of this debate process. 

 

The Political Repercussions of the Absences

The absence of BJP MPs raised concerns, but it did not stop the bills from being introduced. The opposition used it as a chance to question the unity and preparedness of the BJP. The BJP was warned that its members needed to be more responsible and well-coordinated.
 

Is the BJP Having a Setback?

Not always. Although the absences were observed, the party’s ability to advance the bills is not greatly impacted by them. They do, however, draw attention to possible weaknesses in internal discipline.

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Conclusion: A Study of Discipline and Party Strategy

The concept, which was undoubtedly grandiose, was presented at a critical juncture in Indian politics. However, the absence of key BJP officials during such a pivotal session sends contradictory messages. There is still a long path ahead that requires collaboration, preparation, and agreement-making, even though the government has successfully

surmounted the first challenge.

What Does This Mean for India’s Democracy?
The arguments have made it clear that this is about more than votes and legislation. The goal is to change the electoral landscape in India. It needs to be seen if this change would make democracy stronger or lead to new problems.