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‘One Nation One Election’: Congress opposes introduction of Bill, gives notice in LS

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New Delhi, Dec 17: Congress MP Manish Tewari has given a notice to oppose the introduction of a Bill on the One Nation One Election by the government in the Lok Sabha.

“I give notice of my intention to oppose introduction of The Constitution (One Hundred and Twenty-Ninth Amendment) Bill, 2024 Bill, 2024 under Rule 72 of the Rule of Procedure….,” he wrote in the notice on Monday

He said his objections to the proposed Bill are based on serious concerns regarding constitutionalism and constitutionality.

While listing his objections, he wrote in the notice that the Bill is in “violation of Constitutional Principles. Article 1 of the Constitution establishes that India, that is Bharat, shall be a Union of States, affirming its federal character. The Constitution (One Hundred and Twenty-Ninth Amendment) Bill, 2024, which proposes simultaneous elections for the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies, directly challenges this federal framework by imposing uniformity across states.”

He said such a move “risks eroding state autonomy, diminishing local democratic engagement, and centralising power, thereby undermining the pluralism and diversity that are cornerstones of India’s democratic ethos. Disregarding the unique political, cultural, and social contexts of individual states not only neglects their distinctiveness but also fundamentally weakens the principles of federalism and democracy enshrined in the Constitution”.

The Congress leader said the Bill will impact the basic structure of the Constitution. “The proposed insertion of Article 82A in the Constitution to facilitate simultaneous elections necessitates the premature dissolution of State Assemblies, effectively altering the fixed tenure of legislative bodies as guaranteed under Articles 83 and 172 of the Constitution, which further will be amended through the proposed bill.”

He said this move contravenes the basic structure doctrine established by the Supreme Court in Kesavananda Bharati vs. the State of Kerala, which prohibits Parliament from amending the Constitution in a manner that damages its fundamental principles.

“By undermining the federal character of governance and enforcing uniformity, the Bill violates core elements of the basic structure, including federalism, separation of powers, and the republican and democratic framework. As emphasised by Hon’ble Chief Justice Sikri in the judgment, foundational principles such as the Constitution’s supremacy, its federal and secular character, and the separation of powers impose inherent limitations on Parliament’s amending authority. This proposal represents a significant overreach, threatening the foundational ethos of the Constitution,” the Congress MP’s notice reads.

Tewari also said the bill undermines the state governments. “The introduction of the Constitution (One Hundred and Twenty-Ninth Amendment) Bill, 2024, which seeks to align state assembly elections with general elections, poses a direct challenge to the federal structure enshrined in the Constitution. By centralising electoral processes, the Bill undermines the authority of elected state governments, weakens grassroots democracy, and encroaches on the autonomy of local governance. Furthermore, in instances where state governments are dissolved, the potential for extended periods of President’s Rule under Article 356 risks entrenching central control, thereby eroding the foundational principles of federalism.”

“In light of the aforementioned constitutional and procedural concerns, I strongly oppose the introduction of the Constitution (One Hundred and Twenty-Ninth Amendment) Bill, 2024, in its current form. I urge the Union Government to reconsider its introduction until these issues are adequately addressed,” Tewari’s notice reads.

The government has listed for introduction in the Lok Sabha on Tuesday a constitutional amendment bill for holding Lok Sabha and Assembly elections simultaneously.

Crime

Suspicious passenger apprehended at Delhi Jama Masjid Metro Station after trying to flee during screening

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Alert personnel of the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) apprehended a passenger at Delhi’s Jama Masjid Metro Station after he allegedly attempted to flee when a suspicious object was detected during his baggage screening.

According to the CISF, the incident came to light when the passenger’s baggage was being screened through an X-ray Baggage Inspection System (XBIS). During the examination, personnel noticed a dense and suspicious object on the scanner screen.

Sensing something unusual, the security personnel attempted to examine the matter further. However, the passenger allegedly tried to escape from the screening area, according to CISF.

Displaying promptness and alertness, CISF personnel immediately chased him and apprehended him near the station’s exit gate before he could leave the premises.

A subsequent examination of his belongings led to the recovery of an unidentified semi-solid substance concealed inside a stitched portion of his undergarment, the CISF said.

According to reports, the passenger reportedly claimed to be a non-resident Indian (NRI) residing in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Following the recovery, the CISF handed over the passenger, along with his belongings and the suspected substance, to the police for further investigation.

The nature of the semi-solid substance and the reason behind its concealment remain unclear. Police are investigating the matter to establish the identity of the substance and determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.

The CISF’s swift intervention prevented the passenger from leaving the station without further examination.

The force said its personnel remain alert during the screening of passengers and their baggage to ensure compliance with security protocols and prevent any potential threat to metro commuters. Further action in the case will depend on the findings of the investigation, said the police officials.

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Crime

Bihar MLC election: Three FIRs filed against Anant Singh, Jan Suraaj candidate Anuj Singh

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Amid campaigning for the biennial elections for eight MLC seats on October 23 in Bihar, police have registered three FIRs in connection with alleged violation of election rules during a roadshow in the Mokama Assembly constituency of Patna district.

The roadshow was held on Sunday. The cases have been registered against local MLA Anant Singh and Jan Suraaj candidate Anuj Singh, according to police sources.

Of the three cases, two were registered at Barh police station and one at Mokama police station in Patna district.

The police are investigating the alleged violations and examining the circumstances surrounding the roadshow.

According to police sources, the action followed complaints of violations of the Model Code of Conduct and other applicable regulations during the Member of Legislative Council (MLC) election-related event.

The allegations concern compliance with rules governing political roadshows and public campaigning.

However, the specific allegations against each leader and the legal sections invoked in the FIRs have not yet been independently confirmed.

The registration of the cases has triggered political discussions in the Mokama and Barh areas, where election-related activities have intensified.

During the MLC election period, candidates and political parties are required to comply with the Model Code of Conduct and applicable rules governing public meetings, roadshows, permissions and traffic management.

Authorities can initiate legal action when alleged violations are reported.

However, the filing of an FIR does not establish guilt. The allegations against Anant Singh and Anuj Singh will be subject to investigation and the due process of law.

Police said further action would be taken on the basis of the evidence collected and the findings of the investigation.

Additional details are awaited.

Anant Singh, the JD(U) MLA from Mokama in Patna district, has openly extended his support to Jan Suraaj candidate Anuj Singh and is campaigning against his own party’s official nominee, Neeraj Kumar, in the upcoming MLC election.

Anant Singh said his decision to support Anuj Singh stemmed from a personal dispute with Neeraj Kumar. He clarified that his move had nothing to do with his political relationship with the JD(U).

The election for eight Legislative Council seats is scheduled to be held on October 23, with counting of votes and announcement of results set for October 27.

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‘Owaisi, BJP are twins’: Congress MP accuses AIMIM chief of splitting Oppn votes

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Congress MP Pramod Tiwari on Monday hit back at AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi over his recent remarks, accusing him of acting as an agent of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

Tiwari claimed that election results demonstrated how Owaisi’s party had contributed to splitting minority votes, prompting him to describe the AIMIM chief and the BJP as “twin brothers”.

The exchange comes amid political preparations for the 2027 Assembly elections in Uttar Pradesh, with parties sharpening their positions and trading allegations ahead of the electoral contest.

Addressing a gathering in Uttar Pradesh’s Rampur, Owaisi had declared that he would “never make a Nehru, a Gandhi, or a Yadav” his leader. He also stressed the need to provide greater opportunities to young people from the Muslim community.

“Muslim youth have as much potential as people from other communities… However, they are not given a platform,” Owaisi had said, adding that the AIMIM would provide them with opportunities to move forward.

Responding to the AIMIM chief’s remarks, Congress MP Tiwari accused him of working to divide opposition votes in favour of the BJP.

Speaking to media, Tiwari said, “What standing does Owaisi have to even suggest someone like a Gandhi or a Nehru? His sole function, whether intentional or otherwise, is to divide the minority vote at the behest of the BJP. I can say with full confidence that this individual works for the BJP, as evidenced by election outcomes.”

Tiwari further cited electoral results in Maharashtra and Bihar to support his allegations, claiming that the AIMIM’s electoral performance had helped the BJP and its allies by splitting votes that could otherwise have benefited other candidates.

“In Maharashtra, while his party won four seats, it also caused other candidates to lose in 22 constituencies by splitting the vote, ultimately paving the way for a BJP-led government. He did something similar in Bihar … The results clearly show that he operates as an agent for the BJP. Owaisi and the BJP are twin brothers,” he added.

This comes as political parties begin gearing up for the 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections.

Tiwari also commented on the controversy surrounding the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls being conducted by the Election Commission of India (ECI).

He argued that protecting citizens’ voting rights was essential and called for a change in government through the democratic process.

“The government in the country must be changed. The nation’s economic situation and foreign policy have both failed. The public wants relief from inflation and unemployment, and a change in government is essential to safeguard the right to vote. We want to change the government democratically through elections, and for that right to vote must be safeguarded,” Tiwari said.

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