A Challenging Bill for BJP

The Union Cabinet recently approved the ‘One Nation One Election’ bill which will soon be tabled in Parliament. This was one of the promises made by the BJP in its 2024 election manifesto. If approved in Parliament, it would clear the decks for holding simultaneous elections to Lok Sabha, State Assemblies and civic bodies. However, the BJP faces an uphill task in Parliament.

Passing the Bill requires the support of 2/3rd of the Lok Sabha which means the BJP will require the support of 361 MPs out of the House strength of 542. As of now, the BJP and its allies have a cumulative strength of 268.

Similarly, in the 231-Meber Rajya Sabha, the BJP would need the support of 154 MPs whereas it has only 119 including allies.

With the numbers clearly stacked against it, why is the BJP tabling the Bill and how does it expect to succeed in getting it passed? Rahul Gandhi has already said he is not going to support the Bill as it is a plan to deprive States of their autonomy which means Congress-ruled States will not support the Bill.

If The Bill is defeated in Parliament, it will be seen as a moral victory for the Opposition. What then is the game plan of the BJP? What is the reason for its confidence? Does it have a trick up its sleeve? Irrespective of the outcome, one can look forward to a stormy session ahead in Parliament.

A Sridhar