Missed 'One Nation, One Election' Bill introduction due to flight issues, clarifies MP Phanibhushan Choudhury

Phani Bhushan Choudhury, Member of Parliament from the Asom Gana Parishad (AGP), clarified his absence from Parliament on the day the "One Nation, One Election" Bill was introduced. 

Speaking to reporters today, Choudhury explained that a delayed flight prevented him from reaching Parliament on time for the session.  

Choudhury stated that the AGP is set to hold internal discussions on the proposed legislation. However, he emphasized that as a constituent party of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), the AGP will align with the decisions taken by the NDA regarding the bill.  

The AGP MP’s absence has sparked reactions, as the bill is considered a significant step towards electoral reforms in the country. The party's stance on the matter is anticipated following consultations within its ranks.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is set to issue notices to its Lok Sabha members who failed to attend the introduction of two key bills related to the 'One Nation, One Election' initiative on Tuesday. Notable absentees reportedly include Union Ministers Nitin Gadkari, Jyotiraditya Scindia, and Giriraj Singh.

The move comes in response to members defying the party’s three-line whip, which mandated their presence during the session in the Lower House of Parliament. The whip underscored the significance of the legislative session and called for strict adherence by all BJP Lok Sabha members.

Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal introduced The Constitution (One Hundred and Twenty-Ninth Amendment) Bill, 2024 and The Union Territories Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2024. These bills aim to facilitate simultaneous elections for the Lok Sabha and state assemblies, a long-standing agenda of the BJP.

The introduction of the bills saw sharp opposition from rival parties, who demanded a division. The results of the division revealed that 269 members supported the introduction, while 196 opposed it.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced that the bills would now be referred to a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) for thorough examination and consultation. He emphasized Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s directive during the cabinet discussion to ensure comprehensive deliberation through the JPC before proceeding further.

The 'One Nation, One Election' proposal has sparked considerable debate, with supporters citing cost-efficiency and streamlined governance, while critics raise concerns about federalism and logistical challenges.