1. The idea of reverting to simultaneous polls was mooted in the annual report of the Election Commission in 1983. The Law Commission’s Report also referred to it in 1999. The recent push came ahead of the 2014 Lok Sabha polls in the BJP manifesto. After Mr. Modi floated the idea once again in 2016, the Niti Aayog prepared a working paper on the subject in January 2017. In the working paper that the Law Commission brought out in April 2018, it said that at least “five Constitutional recommendations” would be required to get this off the ground. The final decision on holding simultaneous elections is yet to be taken. 2. This concept ( SIMULTANEOUS ELECTION ) is not alien to our country as the first election after enforcement of constitution in 1952 was conducted simultaneously, and later the elections of 1952, 1957 and 1962 were also the same. The liquidation of fourth Lok Sabha brought an end to the process. Premature dissolutions and extensions of Lok Sabha and various state assemblies in past 40 years have ended the cycle of simultaneous elections. Within 15 years of the newly-formed democracy and establishment of an electoral system in India, the process automatically dissolved. 3. Our constitution is structured in a way that promotes simultaneous elections. Provisions for tenure of five years from the date of first sitting of Lok Sabha and state legislative assemblies is mentioned under Article 83 (2) and 170 (1) respectively. Article 356 comes as an exception in case of dissolution or failure of constitutional machinery of a state.
OPINION : 21/06/2019 : 1832.
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SUB : 1. The idea of reverting to simultaneous polls was mooted in the annual report of the Election Commission in 1983. The Law Commission’s Report also referred to it in 1999. The recent push came ahead of the 2014 Lok Sabha polls in the BJP manifesto. After Mr. Modi floated the idea once again in 2016, the Niti Aayog prepared a working paper on the subject in January 2017. In the working paper that the Law Commission brought out in April 2018, it said that at least “five Constitutional recommendations” would be required to get this off the ground. The final decision on holding simultaneous elections is yet to be taken.
2. This concept ( SIMULTANEOUS ELECTION ) is not alien to our country as the first election after enforcement of constitution in 1952 was conducted simultaneously, and later the elections of 1952, 1957 and 1962 were also the same. The liquidation of fourth Lok Sabha brought an end to the process. Premature dissolutions and extensions of Lok Sabha and various state assemblies in past 40 years have ended the cycle of simultaneous elections. Within 15 years of the newly-formed democracy and establishment of an electoral system in India, the process automatically dissolved.
3. Our constitution is structured in a way that promotes simultaneous elections. Provisions for tenure of five years from the date of first sitting of Lok Sabha and state legislative assemblies is mentioned under Article 83 (2) and 170 (1) respectively. Article 356 comes as an exception in case of dissolution or failure of constitutional machinery of a state.
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REF : OPINION | One Nation, One Election: Is Holding Simultaneous Polls Feasible in India? : Mritunjay Tripathi : April 23, 2019 : NEWS18.
*Women show their voter identity cards as they stand in a queue before casting their votes during the first phase of the general elections, at a polling station in Agartala, Tripura. (Image: PTI)
Since the last time India witnessed simultaneous elections, a lot of changes with respect to trends and grounds have occurred in the political scenario.The concept of ‘One Nation, One Election’ has stoked a debate in the country. This concept calls for a single election for state legislatures, Lok Sabha and Panchayats in a span of five years. The effect of such an idea has to be necessarily assessed with its degree of impact on the federal structure of India. It is supposed to bring a major reform in the electoral system and functioning of one of the largest democracies of the world. However, the complex and diverse political nature of our country poses a major challenge for adopting the system of simultaneous elections.
The Indian constitution calls India a ‘Union of states’ and the concept of federalism has divided legislative, executive and judiciary powers between the State and the Centre under Part XI. The constitution defines legislative powers separately between the Centre and the State, with three different lists — the state list, the union list and the concurrent list. Both levels of governments have their own jurisdiction to hold power, to make laws and execute them. The Election Commission is responsible for conducting union elections, whereas the state election commissions are responsible for holding state legislative and Panchayat/Municipal elections under Articles 324 and 243K of the Constitution respectively.
#History and Culture of Elections In India :
Our constitution is structured in a way that promotes simultaneous elections. Provisions for tenure of five years from the date of first sitting of Lok Sabha and state legislative assemblies is mentioned under Article 83 (2) and 170 (1) respectively. Article 356 comes as an exception in case of dissolution or failure of constitutional machinery of a state.
This concept is not alien to our country as the first election after enforcement of constitution in 1952 was conducted simultaneously, and later the elections of 1952, 1957 and 1962 were also the same. The liquidation of fourth Lok Sabha brought an end to the process. Premature dissolutions and extensions of Lok Sabha and various state assemblies in past 40 years have ended the cycle of simultaneous elections. Within 15 years of the newly-formed democracy and establishment of an electoral system in India, the process automatically dissolved.
Since the last time our country witnessed simultaneous elections, a lot of changes with respect to trends and grounds have occurred in the political scenario. As the constitution lacks an explicit statement in favour of simultaneous elections, the rise of coalition governments and multi-party system has given rise to the existing electoral conditions of continuous elections.
The role of political parties is vital in discussing such changing scenarios. India needs electoral reforms and introduction of good practices in politics. Political parties are reluctant to change their attitude towards reforms such as transparency of income of political parties, involvement of different caste groups and women in active politics, measures for curbing corruption, refraining from playing caste or society divisive politics, etc.
Citizens remain highly dissatisfied with the choice of candidates and despite so many political parties in the fray, many voters prefer to choose NOTA. Decreasing voting percentage, specific wave of disturbance during elections and unending groundless political debates are also the concerns. This questions the social image of political parties and determines the interest of people.
The Election Commission has taken several steps constantly to ensure smooth functioning of the electoral conditions. Lowering of voting age from 21 years to 18 years, introduction of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), rules and conditions for contesting candidates, voters’ awareness programs and voting awareness day, several prohibitions during elections (sale of liquor, holidays of employees, going unarmed to the booth etc), model code of conduct (MCC) etc. The Election Commission has largely emphasised on cleansing the electoral system by debarring criminals, empowering the EC by suggesting ways of appointment of EC and CEC, and make the electoral process more efficient in every possible way. The concept of ‘One Nation, One Election’ comes similarly as a recommendation.
#Disadvantages :
Federalism is said to promote more efficiency in governance, be it politically and economically. For better stability and prosperity of the nation, it is necessary that federal structure exists. Division of power under union list, state list and concurrent list, existence of so many regional political parties and active political structures in each state shows that India has been a successful federal structure so far.
Also, it is different with its underlying sense of unity from all other existing federations across the globe. Simultaneous elections can be better understood with an insight of its pros and cons as well. Here are some disadvantages:
Advantage to national parties: Regional parties gather their state machinery for the state legislative elections, whereas national parties will gain more momentum with their power in every state.
National issues over regional ones: National issues may overpower the regional ones which are equally important to be looked upon. Submerging of regional stories with national issues may create havoc.
Federal structure would be disturbed: The party in power at the Centre may exercise such powers which may hamper the working of parties in power at state levels.
Shortage of staff and security: One election in all levels at a time would require large deployment of forces and resources together for secure and smooth functioning, which would be a big challenge. The ignited election mode would require high security. More than 24 lakh EVMs and VVPAT would be required to conduct elections together.
Disturbance in system of checks and balances: In a federal structure, the state governments and the central governments, especially when from opposite parties, check each other’s work and evaluate it. This competitive spirit may be curtailed and a lethargic attitude may crawl into working of these governments.
#Advantages :
*Reports from various committees and institutions have always spoken in favour of simultaneous elections. Here are the advantages which they highlight:
*Saving time and energy : A lot of money and time is being spent on elections. The money could be put to better use. The focus of respective parties is on winning elections in different parts of the country rather than on actual governance. Violence, hate speeches and surcharged atmosphere can disturb the law and order situation.
*Less promotion of individualism over nationalism: Parties, in order to win hearts near the time of elections, declare individualistic policies to lure the voters and not the nationalistic policies. The spirit of policy making gets hampered. Simultaneous elections would stop this.
*Smaller role of corruption, casteism: Party funding would not be required again and again, which would reduce manipulative practices of the parties to raise money. Caste politics won’t be ignited every time elections are round the corner.
*Model code of conduct (MCC): Political parties wouldn’t make unnecessary measures to win elections in the wake of MCC. Frequent imposition of MCC results in standstill of the government machinery, thus hindering development and policy implementation.
*Increase in voting percentage: It has turned out in many researches that voters’ participation is motivated with simultaneous elections. Voting percentage is a serious concern.
*People have clear opinions for choice on different levels of governments. During the general elections in 2014, people of Delhi showed a clear preference for a particular party. However, in the 2015 Delhi legislature elections, the wave was completely different for a state party.
#Recommendations of Reports and Committees :
*The idea of ‘One Nation, One Election’ was suggested by the Election Commission in 1983.
*“Commission is strongly of the view that a stage has come for evolving a system by convention, if it is not possible or feasible to bring about a legislation, under which the general elections to the House of the People and Legislative Assemblies of the States are held simultaneously.”
*The main reason for drawing such conclusion was heavy expenditure on elections, deployment of forces affecting their normal course of duties, slowing down of administrative machinery throughout the country etc.
*Later in 1999, Law Commission in its 170th report headed by BP Jeevan Reddy, suggested that India go back to the concept of simultaneous elections. It stated that this concept couldn’t be adapted overnight in the prevailing circumstances. Suggestion for inserting rule 198A in the Rule of Procedure and Conduct of Business in Lok Sabha for conducting confidence motion in alternative government as well as non-confidence motion in the current government simultaneously was provided.
*The report has highlighted that even after the enforcement of Article 356 of the constitution, separate elections must be an exception and not a rule. Also, political parties at every level would have to co-operate for the same.
*Report of the National Commission to Review the Working of the Constitution (NCRWC) in 2002 highlighted that amendments with respect to simultaneous elections could be done without disturbing the basic structure of the constitution. The 255th Law Commission report discussed amendment to Anti-Defection Law, which is an important subject with respect to simultaneous elections.
*The 79th report presented by Rajya Sabha in December 2015, after consulting various political parties, organisations, individuals and experts, suggested various reforms and conducts. It held that the term of legislatures could not be extended, except during emergency, but elections of Lok Sabha/State Legislative Assemblies could be conducted six months earlier under Section 14 and 15 of the Representation of People’s Act, 1951. It also suggested conducting of elections in two phases where some state legislative elections are conducted for a shorter term to end their tenure with the tenure of Lok Sabha.
*Recently, the Law Commission headed by B.S. Chouhan called 7 National and 59 regional/state parties for their response on the concept. It, however, failed to get consensus. The most recent draft report of the commission has been issued after hearing the views of various political parties, organisations and experts in favour and criticism of simultaneous elections. Keeping in mind the structure of the constitution, the draft suggests least possible amendments in the constitution and statutes. It has suggested amendment in Article 172 of the constitution and three options to synchronise elections of state assemblies with Lok Sabha.
*The idea of holding simultaneous elections has been highlighted by NITI Ayog as well, which has called frequent elections a ‘fundamental problem’ in the electoral system. It has also discussed both the arguments.
*The current Prime Minister and his party highlighted simultaneous elections in its manifesto. Also, the current and the former President of India have supported the concept.
#International Perspective :
*Simultaneous elections carry an international perspective as well. This system has been carried forward in several parts of the world with ease under similar scenarios.
*In South Africa, the national assembly, provincial legislatures and municipal council elections are held simultaneously in a cycle of five years. ‘Party list proportional representation’ is followed. In Sweden, parties are given seats according to the proportion of vote they achieved in the elections. County council and municipal council elections are held simultaneously. Belgium witnesses five different kinds of elections where European elections and federal elections are held every five years, coinciding with each other. In Indonesia, the presidential and legislative elections would be held simultaneously from 2019. They have made changes in their constitution, striking down some provisions as unconstitutional. The German constitution doesn’t allow removal of chancellor alone by bringing a no-confidence motion. They also have to agree on some replacement.
*There are many more countries such as Bolivia, Philippines, Brazil, Costa Rica, and Guatemala etc. However, they all have presidential form of government where elections are held simultaneously along with legislative elections.
#Need for Discussion :
*Various models have been suggested simultaneous elections in the above mentioned reports. These solutions need to be discussed to understand how simultaneous elections could be implemented in India.
*It would be highly premature if a one-shift model is approached immediately. A complete shift at one time to conduct simultaneous elections may fail due to lack of experience, heavy expenditure at a single time and changing dynamics of politics. The preliminary level requires ground work and slower approach to attain the goal of simultaneous elections. The model for conducting two-phased simultaneous election is also suggested where some state assembly elections would conduct elections with Lok Sabha, while others would conduct elections in the mid-term of Lok Sabha. This suggestion comes along with suggestion of holding elections every 2.5 years till they become synchronised.
*In another suggestion, the gap between the two phases is again suggested to be minimum to avoid further chaos. However, expenditure which may occur altogether has to be estimated. Such models should not exclude the inclusion of local self-government elections in the process. The idea of simultaneous elections includes it as well. The system of no confidence motion and the anti-defection laws also call for relaxation. It has been suggested that the party bringing no-confidence motion must also vote upon alternative, subsequently bringing a confidence motion. Relaxations must be provided in anti-defection laws to avoid hung parliaments.
*It is true that the idea of simultaneous elections at present tends to create a specter of threat to federalism. However, we must not shy away from considering much needed reforms in our system. The nature of our constitution is flexible for the reason that amendments shall bring good governance and strength to democracy. Major challenges and dynamic changes may have to be adapted to bring required consistency for an empowered federalism. It is not just about elections but good governance because ballots are more powerful than bullets.
(The author is a research fellow at Indraprastha Vishwa Samvad Kendra, a Delhi-based think-tank)--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"ROGUE CHIEF MINISTERS AND ROGUE STATES" :
#THE HONEST CITIZENS HATE SUCH NETAS
Mamata, Naidu to skip Modi all-party meet on simultaneous polls,
parties undecided on stand : June 19, 2019 : India Today
The Opposition will be gathering in Delhi for a meeting to discuss their strategy ahead of the all-party meeting called by PM Modi on simultaneous elections.*PM Modi has called an all-party meet to discuss simultaneous elections. (File photo)
HIGHLIGHTS :
*PM Modi has all called for an all-party meeting to discuss simultaneous elections;
*Mamata Banerjee, Chandrababu Naidu, KCR will be skipping the all-party meet;
*The Opposition is still undecided over their stand on simultaneous elections.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be holding an all-party meet with the key opposition parties of the country on Wednesday to discuss the idea of holding simultaneous elections. The Opposition, which is undecided on the topic of simultaneous elections, will be meeting in the morning before the all-party gathering in the evening.
The 'One Nation, One Poll', which was part of BJP's 2019 manifesto, has made the Opposition weary about the prospects.
According to a PTI report, sources have said that the Opposition is skeptical about the idea and are looking at the all-party meet as a "trap" set by the BJP. The band of opposition parties will be meeting around 10 am on Wednesday to hold discussions before going for the Modi meet.
PM Modi has invited the heads of all the political parties that have at least one member either in the Lok Sabha or in the Rajya Sabha to discuss the issue.
Leaders of UPA parties, who met in Parliament on Tuesday evening, discussed the issue of simultaneous elections. They would hold further discussions with other like-minded parties before taking a final call on the matter.
Rahul Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi were also present at the meeting on Tuesday. Rahul Gandhi will again be meeting Congress leaders on Wednesday. However, Sonia Gandhi maintained suspense over Rahul taking part in the all-party meeting.
Rahul Gandhi too avoided questions on the issue at the Parliament on Tuesday.
On the other hand, Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee, who is the chief of Trinamool Congress, Telangana CM K Chandrasekhar Rao who heads the Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) and DMK chief MK Stalin will be skipping the Modi all-party meet in the Capital on Thursday evening. Former NDA ally and Telugu Desam Party (TDP) chief Chandrababu Naidu will also skip the meeting.
While most opposition parties are undecided on what stand to take on simultaneous elections, Mamata Banerjee wrote to the Centre and advised that a white paper be prepared on it instead of making a hurried decision.
In August last year, the Law Commission had recommended holding simultaneous elections to the Lok Sabha and state assemblies to save public money.
The Commission, in draft recommendations, said simultaneous polls would help the government of the day focus on "developmental activities rather than electioneering".
The draft, submitted to the Law Ministry, had recommended "holding of simultaneous elections to House of the People (Lok Sabha) and the State Legislative Assemblies (except the State of Jammu and Kashmir)".
It, however, cautioned that "holding simultaneous elections is not possible within the existing framework of the Constitution".
NITI Aayog had last year suggested synchronised two-phase Lok Sabha and Assembly polls from 2024 to ensure minimum campaign-mode disruption to governance.
Ahead of the Lok Sabha elections, this found a mention in the BJP Sankalp Patra as a mode of "good governance".
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NOTE : 1.
One nation, one poll: PM Modi’s all-party meeting begins, several leaders give it a miss
*L to R: Jagat Prakash Nadda, PM Narendra Modi, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Home Minister Amit Shah, Road and Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari present at the meeting. (Express photo: Renuka Puri)
To drum up support for the idea of ‘One Nation, One Election’, Prime Minister Narendra Modi Wednesday presided a meeting where he invited the presidents of all political parties having representatives in Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha to New Delhi. The leaders present at the meeting include JDU’s Nitish Kumar, NC’s Farooq Abdullah, SAD’s Sukhbir Singh Badal, BJD’s Naveen Patnaik, PDP’s Mehbooba Mufti, YSRCP’s Jagan Mohan Reddy.
*Andhra Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy attends the meeting. (Express photo: Renuka Puri)
At the meeting, the Prime Minister is also likely to discuss issues of ‘aspirational districts’, the celebration of 75 years of India’s Independence in 2022 and marking 150 years of Mahatma Gandhi’s birth anniversary this year, among other things. This will be followed by by a dinner-meeting with all MPs on June 20.
*PDP leader Mehbooba Mufti arrives for the meeting. (Express photo: Renuka Puri)
Including Congress, those not attending the all-party meeting include NDA ally Shiv Sena as well as the Samajwadi Party (SP), the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), the DMK, the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and the Trinamool Congress, AND AAP PTI stated.
On the other hand, CPI(M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury and CPI’s D Raja, attended the meeting but oppose the idea. “We will attend and oppose the ‘one nation, one election’ issue,” PTI quoted a senior Left leader as saying. Holding simultaneous polls to Parliament and state Assemblies is fundamentally anti-federal and anti-democratic and thus against the Constitution, Yechury said in a note.Meanwhile, BSP supremo Mayawati responded stating she would have attended the meeting if the topic of discussion was on electronic voting machines (EVMs).
Mamata Banerjee, Trinamool Congress: In a letter to Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee wrote that it was difficult to take a call on such a crucial matter on such short notice. The Centre, she wrote, should issue a white paper on the issue. “If you will do so, we will be able to give concrete suggestions on this important subject,” she wrote, adding that she will give the meeting a skip.
M K Stalin, Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam: DMK chief Stalin will also not attend the meeting.
Arvind Kejriwal, Aam Aadmi Party: While Delhi Chief Minister will not be in attendance, the AAP will be represented by party member Raghav Chadha, news agency PTI reported.
N Chandrababu Naidu, Telugu Desam Party: Former NDA alliance partner TDP will also stay away from the meeting. Jayadev Galla, who represents Guntur, is likely to attend the meeting, news agency ANI reported.
K Chandrasekhar Rao, Telangana Rashtra Samithi: TRS president and Telangana Chief Minister KCR said he is busy with the inauguration of Kaleshwaram irrigation project on June 21 and will instead send the party’s working president, KT Rama Rao, to attend the meeting.
Mayawati, Bahujan Samaj Party: BSP chief Mayawati will also give the meeting a miss. Calling the idea of simultaneous polls as ploy to divert attention from key issues, Mayawati said she would have been a part of the meeting had EVMs been the focus
Sharad Pawar, National Congress Party: According to news agency PTI, Pawar will also not attend the meeting
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NOTE : 2.
The Hindu Explains: One nation, one election : JUNE 19, 2019 : R Keerthana : THE HINDU
Will India revert to simultaneous elections to all the state assemblies and the Lok Sabha? What are the merits and demerits of such a system?
Have you been hearing the words ‘simultaneous elections’ often these days? That’s because there is a proposal to conduct the elections to the Lok Sabha and a State assemblies at the same time.
An all-party meet on Wednesday will explore the possibility of simultaneous elections, but the push for “One nation, one election” came from Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2016. Ever since, there have been widespread discussions on holding simultaneous polls, with the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party making a strong pitch for it.
Taking it a step further, the Law Commission submitted a draft report to the government on August 30, 2018, endorsing the proposal. It even recommended changes to the Constitution and the electoral law so as to enable holding simultaneous polls.
What does it all mean? Let’s find out.
What are simultaneous polls?
Currently, elections to the state assemblies and the Lok Sabha are held separately — that is whenever the incumbent government’s five-year term ends or whenever it is dissolved due to various reasons. This applies to both the state legislatures and the Lok Sabha. The terms of Legislative Assemblies and the Lok Sabha may not synchronise with one another. For instance, Rajasthan faced elections in late 2018, whereas Tamil Nadu will go to elections only in 2021.
But the idea of “One Nation, One Election” envisages a system where elections to all states and the Lok Sabha will have to be held simultaneously. This will involve the restructuring of the Indian election cycle in a manner that elections to the states and the centre synchronise. This would mean that the voters will cast their vote for electing members of the LS and the state assemblies on a single day, at the same time (or in a phased manner as the case may be).
What is the background?
Simultaneous elections are not new to India. They were the norm until 1967. But following dissolution of some Legislative Assemblies in 1968 and 1969 and that of the Lok Sabha in December 1970, elections to State Assemblies and Parliament have been held separately.
The idea of reverting to simultaneous polls was mooted in the annual report of the Election Commission in 1983. The Law Commission’s Report also referred to it in 1999. The recent push came ahead of the 2014 Lok Sabha polls in the BJP manifesto. After Mr. Modi floated the idea once again in 2016, the Niti Aayog prepared a working paper on the subject in January 2017. In the working paper that the Law Commission brought out in April 2018, it said that at least “five Constitutional recommendations” would be required to get this off the ground. The final decision on holding simultaneous elections is yet to be taken.
How will it work?
There were two proposals to conduct simultaneous elections along with 17th Lok Sabha elections. However, both didn't materialise.
One proposal was to make the shift to simultaneous polls in a phased manner, where general elections, 12 State Assemblies (which by themselves face elections in late 2018 or 2019) and a Union Territory may be synchronised in 2019, as the rest of the states are in the middle of their five-year term.
These 12 states were Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Odisha, Sikkim, Telangana, Haryana, Jharkhand, Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Mizoram and Rajasthan. NCT of Delhi (Union Territory with Legislature) also faces polls in 2019. For such a synchronisation to happen, besides political consensus and extension of term up to six months in some states, amendments to the Constitution have to be made. Elections to the remaining State Legislative Assemblies and Union Territory with Legislature (Puducherry) will be synchronised by the end of 2021. Thereafter, elections to the Lok Sabha, all the State Legislative Assemblies and Union Territories (with legislatures) will be held simultaneously from 2024.
The second option involved synchronisation in two batches. First, elections to the 12 State Legislative Assemblies and one Union Territory would be synchronised with elections to the Lok Sabha in 2019. Next, elections to the remaining State Legislative Assemblies will be synchronised with that of one Union Territory by the end of 2021. This makes elections across the country synchronised in such a manner that they will be held twice every five years.
Why do some support?
*Simultaneous polls will reduce enormous costs involved in separate elections.*The system will help ruling parties focus on governance instead of being constantly in election mode.
*Simultaneous polls will boost voter turnout, according to the Law Commission.
What are the arguments against it?
*National and state issues are different, and holding simultaneous elections is likely to affect the judgment of voters.*Since elections will be held once in five years, it will reduce the government's accountability to the people. Repeated elections keep legislators on their toes and increases accountability.
*When an election in a State is postponed until the synchronised phase, President’s rule will have to be imposed in the interim period in that state. This will be a blow to democracy and federalism.
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CONCLUSION :
*PM To Form Committee To Study Feasibility Of One Nation, One Poll : Centre
The implementation of "One Nation One Election" idea requires an amendment to the constitution, which cannot be done without two-thirds majority in both houses of parliament.
All India | Reported by Sunil Prabhu, Edited by Anindita Sanyal | Updated: June 20, 2019 06:29 IST
The meet is to discuss PM Modi's "One Nation One Election" initiative.
NEW DELHI: The government will form a committee to study the feasibility of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's "One Nation, One Election", Union Minister Rajnath Singh said after Prime Minister Narendra Modi's all-party meeting on Wednesday. Most parties, he said, had supported the idea. Five key parties, including the Congress, however skipped the meet. Mamata Banerjee expressed reservations about the modality of such a project and Mayawati mocked the government. Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav and DMK chief MK Stalin also stayed away. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, former Chief Minister and Telugu Desam Party chief N Chandrababu Naidu and Telangana Chief Minister K Chandresekhar Rao sent representatives.
Here are the top 10 developments in this big story:
*1. "We decided... PM said a committee will be formed for 'One Nation One Poll' which will consider all sides of this issue and provide solutions for this," Union Minister Rajnath Singh said after the meeting. Calling it a national agenda on which all parties will be involved, Mr Singh said most parties supported the idea, but the Left parties dissented and had questions about implementation.
*2. Prime Minister Narendra Modi later tweeted: "Had a great meeting with Presidents of various political parties. Multiple issues of national importance were discussed. I thank the various leaders for their informed suggestions."
*3. The Prime Minister's "One Nation, One Election" initiative, the BJP contends, will save both time and money. But the opposition has refused to back the idea, saying it is against federal principles and questioning the feasibility of such a move.
*4. The implementation of simultaneous election idea requires an amendment to the constitution, which cannot be done without two-thirds majority in both houses of parliament. This is why the BJP needs to get other parties on board.
*LAME EXCUSES AND IMMATURE FOOLISH TALKS :
1. After the meeting, CPM leader Sitaram Yechury said the proposal was "anti-democracy" and "anti-federalism". "They are trying to bring the Presidential form of government through the backdoor and replacing parliamentary democracy," he added.
2. Mayawati said had the meeting been about Electronic Voting Machines, she would have attended. "The stubbornness of conducting elections through electronic voting machines instead of ballot paper is the real threat to democracy and the Constitution of the country," she claimed.
3. Mamata Banerjee wrote to Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi yesterday, contending that a single meeting is not enough to respond on the "One Nation One Election" issue and asked the government for a White Paper so the parties can consult experts and give feedback.
4. The Bengal Chief Minister has also turned down the Niti Aayog's proposal of developing "aspirational districts", saying her Trinamool Congress is opposed to such a project as "it would not conform to the overall objectives of achieving balanced and uniform development of all districts in the state".
5. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and TDP chief Chandrababu Naidu have delegated representatives. Even though he expressed an opinion earlier that the meeting would not help his state, Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Mr Rao sent his son and party leader KT Rama Rao. Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik and his Andhra Pradesh counterpart Jaganmohan Reddy attended the meeting,
6. Besides simultaneous election, the meeting also discussed NITI Aayog's proposal of developing "aspirational districts", that involves fast-tracking a rise in socio-economic condition of 117 districts across 28 states. Plans for 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi this year and 75 years of India's Independence in 2022 were also discussed.
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*BRILLIANT SPEAKER : WONDERFUL CHOICE OF PM.
Won’t allow chanting of religious slogans in Parliament’: Speaker Om Birla : Jun 20, 2019 : INDIA
The sloganeering was mentioned by the Congress leader in the Lok Sabha, Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, in his welcome address to the speaker on Wednesday.
*Newly elected Speaker for the 17th Lok Sabha, Om Birla conducts the proceedings during its first session, at Parliament in New Delhi on June 19, 2019. (LSTV Grab/PTI Photo)
Newly elected Lok Sabha speaker Om Birla said on Wednesday that he would not allow a repeat of the chanting of religious slogans or the heckling that greeted some Opposition MPs when they were being sworn in on Tuesday.
The pro tem speaker, Virendra Kumar, did the right thing by expunging the calls from treasury benches that confronted MPs including United Progressive Alliance chairperson Sonia Gandhi, All India Majlis-e-Ittehad-ul-Muslimeen leader Asaduddin Owaisi and Trinamool Congress MPs, Birla said in an interview with HT.
Some Trinamool MPs responded with chants of their own in response to the slogans from the treasury benches.
“I don’t think Parliament is the place for sloganeering, for showing placards, or for coming to the well. There is a road for that where they can go and demonstrate. Whatever people want to say here, whatever allegations they have, however they want to attack the government they can, but they can’t come to the gallery and do all this,’’ Birla said after his unanimous election as speaker of the 17th Lok Sabha.
*Kota BJP MP Om Birla elected speaker of Lok Sabha
BJP MP from Rajasthan Om Birla has been elected as the speaker of Lok Sabha on Wednesday. Birla was elected by MPs of various parties. Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Om Birla.
Asked if he could hold out an assurance that such heckling would never take place again, the 56-year-old speaker conceded he couldn’t. “I don’t know if it will happen again but we will try to run Parliament by the rules,’’ he said, adding, “Jai Shri Ram slogans, Jai Bharat, Vande Mataram, I said this was an old issue. During a debate, it is different. Every time, there are different circumstances. What are the circumstances is decided by the person sitting in the speaker’s chair.”
The sloganeering was mentioned by the Congress leader in the Lok Sabha, Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, in his welcome address to the speaker on Wednesday. “I don’t think this is in the spirit of multi-party democracy,’’ he said. Responding to that remark, the new speaker said: “I am very clear on this. Parliament is a temple of democracy. This temple always functions by parliamentary rules. I have requested all parties that we should maintain the decorum of this place as much as we can. We are the largest democracy in the world, everyone looks up to us. In the same way, our parliamentary procedures should also set an example across the world.’’
Birla, a two-term MP from Kota in Rajasthan, was a surprise pick for the speaker’s post by the Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance. He was elected unanimously after the Opposition decided not to field a candidate of its own.
“All parties have reposed faith in me, so it will be my duty to keep their faith.” Birla said. “Everyone has the right to express themselves, the government has to be more responsible since they have such a large majority. They should answer all questions. I have seen government always accepts demands of a debate when asked for it.’’
Will he be strict in dealing with antagonism from all quarters?
“I don’t want to be strict. I want that all of us speak our mind but be bound by rules,’’ Birla said.
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OPINION : "CAN ANYONE IMAGINE THIS FOOL RAHUL A DISCIPLINED CHARACTER" ?
*Rahul Gandhi was seen scrolling through his phone and then typing away for about 24 minutes of President Govind's one-hour speech.
Rahul Gandhi busy browsing phone as President Kovind addresses Parliament : 20.06.2019 : Mausami Singh : India Today
Congress president Rahul Gandhi has once again landed in trouble, now for not paying attention to President Ram Nath Kovind joint address of the Parliament on Thursday.
While his mother and UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi listened to the speech and even applauded in between, Rahul Gandhi did not laud the President for any of the topics he spoke on.
Rahul Gandhi was also seen clicking photos of the Parliament and talking to Sonia Gandhi for about 20 minutes while President Kovind continued to discuss key achievements of the Modi government in the past five years.
When the entire House broke into a loud round of applause after President Kovind mentioned the Uri surgical strikes and the Balakot airstrike, even Sonia Gandhi thumped the table in appreciation but Rahul Gandhi kept staring at the floor unmoved.
This prompted Sonia Gandhi to stare at him a few times but Rahul Gandhi continued to sit still.
President Ram Nath Kovind on Thursday said the people of India have given a "clear mandate" to accelerate the country's development journey that started in 2014.
The President also said that the Narendra Modi government is moving ahead to create a strong, secure and inclusive India.
In his address to the joint sitting of both houses of Parliament in the historic Central Hall, the President noted that women came out in large numbers to exercise their franchise in the general elections.
He also heaped praises on the Modi government for the strikes and managing to get Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar listed as a global terrorist in the United Nations.
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LAST WORDS FROM CITIZENS OF BHARATHAM :
1. PIN DROP SILENCE SHOULD BE OBSERVED;
2. SHOUTING, ABUSALS, OBSTRUCTIONS, APPROACHING SPEAKER CHAIR AND PLACARDS, SLOGANS PREVENTED;
3. QUESTION AND ANSWER SHOULD BE STRAIGHT AND BRIEF IN TIME LIMITS;
4. ITEMS IN THE STATES LEVELS SHOULD NOT BE RAISED IN THE PARLIAMENT.
5. SLEEPING, GOSSIPPING, SHOULD BE CONDEMNED.
2014
JAY HIND,
JAY BHARATHAM,
VANDE MATARAM,
BHARAT MATA KI JAY.
2019
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