"Opposition expert in telling lies, wants to set false narratives": Chirag Paswan on One Nation, One Election bill

"How is this bill unconstitutional and against federalism? At least one member of the opposition should explain how it is against federalism. The opposition is an expert in telling lies and wants to set false narratives. They should speak based on merits," he said.

The Union Minister further questioned the opposition's claim that regional parties would be finished, saying, "Aren't so many regional parties supporting it? JDU, TDP, Shiv Sena, my party, and other regional parties are also supporting it."

TDP leader and Union Minister Dr Pemmasani Chandra Sekhar supported the bill, saying it reduces election expenditure and streamlines the electoral process.

"From the TDP side, we have given unequivocal support for the entire bill because it reduces election expenditure, streamlines the electoral process, increases voter turnout, and overall helps the administration and the country. So, we support it," he said.

Meanwhile, Wayanad MP Priyanka Gandhi on Tuesday criticised the 'One Nation, One Election' bill, calling it an "anti-constitutional bill" that undermines the federalism of India.

Gandhi reiterated Congress' position of opposing the bill and said, "It's an anti-constitutional bill. It goes against the federalism of our nation. We are opposing the bill."

Additionally, Revolutionary Socialist Party MP NK Premchandran demanded that the bill be withdrawn.

"The government desires to send the bill to the JPC. We are totally against the bill, and our demand was to withdraw it. Now that the bill has been introduced, we will demand that it be sent to the JPC," he said.

The Constitution (One Hundred and Twenty-Ninth Amendment) Bill, 2024, and the Union Territories Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2024, were formally introduced in the Lok Sabha after members voted on them. The bill proposes 'One Nation, One Election,' or simultaneous elections to both the Lok Sabha and state assemblies. It will now be sent to a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) for detailed discussions.

On Tuesday, the Speaker of the Lok Sabha announced the results of the vote on the bill's introduction. The vote showed 269 members in favour (Ayes) and 196 against (Noes). This followed Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal's formal introduction of the Constitution (129th Amendment) Bill, 2024, on 'One Nation, One Election' and his agreement to send it to a JPC in response to Union Home Minister Amit Shah's statement.

Speaking in the Lok Sabha, Amit Shah said, "When the 'One Nation, One Election' bill was taken up in the cabinet for approval, PM Modi had said that it should be sent to the JPC for detailed discussion. If the Law Minister is willing to send the bill to the JPC, the discussion on its introduction can end."

Meghwal also introduced a bill to amend the Government of Union Territories Act, 1963, the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi Act, 1991, and the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019, as per the day's schedule. These amendments aim to align assembly elections in Delhi, Jammu and Kashmir, and Puducherry with the proposed simultaneous elections. (ANI)