JPC Puts ‘One Nation, One Election’ on Fast Track — But Congress Cautiously Flags Democratic Gaps
Shimla, June 19:
The Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) on the controversial ‘One Nation, One Election’ proposal seems to be accelerating the Modi government's ambitious plan, with meetings underway across states — including Himachal Pradesh — despite strong opposition from the INDIA bloc.
On Wednesday, the JPC led by BJP MP P.P. Choudhary landed in Shimla to discuss the One Hundred and Twenty-Ninth Constitutional Amendment Bill, 2024, and related legislation.
The committee held detailed talks with Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu and Deputy CM Mukesh Agnihotri.
Interestingly, while Congress nationally has opposed the idea, Himachal’s CM struck a nuanced tone.
Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Sukhu admitted, “Yes, we oppose the Bill, but we have still placed suggestions before the JPC to safeguard democratic values.”
One such suggestion includes conducting by-elections at least once a year, should simultaneous elections become a reality.
“Democracy can’t be paused for five years,” Sukhu remarked, hinting at concerns that a blanket implementation could lead to gaps in representation.
The BJP’s presence was notable — with Union Minister Anurag Thakur, MP from Hamirpur, participating in the discussions.
Sources say the Centre is keen to roll out the One Nation-One Election framework within the next five years, a timeline critics say is too hurried for such a foundational change.
While the traditional Himachali caps and shawls were exchanged with warmth, political temperatures around the proposal remain cold.
The Congress and other INDIA allies view the move as an attempt to centralize power and undermine federalism — concerns that the JPC must now reckon with as it prepares its final report.
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