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Government sources said when brought, the ‘One nation, one poll’ bill is likely to be referred to a joint parliamentary committee for wider consultation
The Centre is yet to take a call on whether the ‘One nation, one poll’ bill be a comprehensive one or multiple. (Image: AP/File)
The central government is contemplating bringing the ‘One nation, one election’ bill during the ongoing winter session. When brought, it is likely that it will be referred to a joint parliamentary committee for wider consultation, sources said.
According to government sources, the ‘One nation, one poll’ (ONOP) bill will undergo intense deliberations and the speakers of all legislative assemblies will be invited to take part in the discussion. The Centre, however, is yet to take a call on whether the bill be a comprehensive one or multiple, including those suggesting constitutional amendment, sources said.
Once the ‘one nation, one election’ proposal was cleared by the Union cabinet in September, there was a buzz that the related bill could be introduced in the winter session. But, the Centre was keen on building a consensus before moving it before Parliament.
‘One nation, one poll’, or ONOP, is aimed at simultaneously conducting Lok Sabha and assembly elections. According to the government, this move will cut down on expenses and reduce logistical hurdles in the voting process.
A high-level committee headed by former president Ram Nath Kovind had submitted its report to the Union cabinet. Union Ministers Rajnath Singh, Arjun Ram Meghwal and Kiren Rijiju had been appointed to hold talks with the opposition parties.
While announcing the cabinet’s decision, the government had said ONOP will be implemented in two phases as recommended by the Kovind committee. In the first phase, there are plans to conduct Lok Sabha and assembly polls simultaneously. The second phase will entail local body polls (panchayat and municipalities) within 100 days of general elections. Also, there are plans for a common electoral roll and the formation of an implementation group.
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