Opposition Condemns Law Commission's Backing for Controversial 'One Nation, One Election' Bill

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New Delhi: The Law Commission's support for the 'One Nation, One Election' bill has sparked a heated debate among opposition lawmakers. They argue that the proposed legislation, which grants the Election Commission of India (ECI) the power to defer polls, undermines the federal structure of the country. According to sources, the opposition lawmakers, including Congress MP Manish Tewari and Trinamool Congress MP Kalyan Banerjee, have expressed their concerns over the bill's potential impact on federalism. They pointed out that Article 1 of the Constitution defines India as a "Union of States," emphasizing the co-equal status of states and the Centre. The Law Commission, however, has maintained that the bill's provisions are constitutional and can be enacted by Parliament without state ratification. In its submission to the joint parliamentary committee (JPC), the law panel argued that the proposed amendment does not disturb the basic structure of the Constitution and is a natural extension of the ECI's existing powers. The opposition lawmakers have rejected the law panel's argument, citing the importance of state ratification to pass the bill. They argue that the amendment affects the states and therefore impacts federalism, which is a fundamental aspect of the Constitution. The debate is set to continue as the JPC examines the Constitution (129th Amendment) Bill and the Union Territories Laws (Amendment) Bill. The opposition's stance against the bill highlights the ongoing concerns over the potential consequences of simultaneous polls in the country.