BJP Government tables 'ONOE' bill

The BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government tabled the controversial One Nation, One Election Bill in Parliament today, sparking strong protests from opposition parties under the INDIA alliance. 
The bill proposes simultaneous elections for the Lok Sabha, state assemblies, and municipal corporations, a concept that has been debated extensively over the years.
To examine the feasibility of the proposal, the Central Government constituted a high-level committee chaired by former President Ram Nath Kovind. 
The committee conducted consultations with political parties and social organisations before submitting its report to President Draupadi Murmu in March. The Union Cabinet accepted the report in September, paving the way for the bill’s preparation.
Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal introduced the bill in the Lok Sabha today. Opposition MPs, including Congress's Manish Tewari, vehemently opposed it, arguing that the bill undermines the federal structure of the Constitution. Tewari called it an attack on constitutional principles, urging the government to withdraw the legislation.
Trinamool Congress MP Kalyan Banerjee criticised the bill as unconstitutional, citing concerns over its impact on Article 82 and related provisions that grant authority to the Election Commission. Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Anil Desai also voiced opposition, stating the bill could disrupt India's democratic 
rocesses.
The INDIA alliance, which includes Congress, DMK, TMC, and Samajwadi Party, strongly opposes the bill: DMK President MK Stalin called the scheme “anti-federal and impractical,” arguing it would undermine India's diversity and push the nation toward a unitary rule. Congress MP Jairam Ramesh accused the BJP of trying to rewrite the Constitution and warned of risks to democratic structures. 
Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav and TMC’s Abhishek Banerjee echoed similar concerns, asserting the bill could erode fundamental rights and state-level autonomy.
In contrast, the YSR Congress, led by Jagan Mohan Reddy, expressed support for the bill. YSR Congress MP Mithun Reddy stated, “We are ready to face simultaneous elections and will support the One Nation, One Election Bill.”
The bill is expected to be referred to a joint parliamentary committee for detailed study. The committee, dominated by BJP members, will review the legislation and submit its findings within 90 days, with an extension if needed. 
Once the committee completes its review, the bill will proceed to debates and votes in both Houses of Parliament.