P Chidambaram Calls One Nation One Election Bill Constitutional Monstrosity

Congress leader and Rajya Sabha MP P Chidambaram testified before a Joint Parliamentary Committee on Monday, opposing the Constitution (129th Amendment) Bill, 2024 and the Union Territories Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2024. He characterized the One Nation, One Election proposal as a "Constitutional monstrosity" and argued that curtailing the five-year tenure of state legislatures violates the basic structure of the Constitution and undermines parliamentary democracy.

Chidambaram specifically disputed claims made by JPC Chairman PP Chaudhary that simultaneous elections could occur in 2029. He asserted that the Bill's text requires an appointed date after a general election, which would make a 2029 synchronization impossible. In response, Chaudhary described the interaction as constructive but suggested that Chidambaram's views reflect his party affiliation.

The committee also heard from other members and Padma awardees. Trinamool Congress MP Sagarika Ghose raised concerns that the legislation would grant excessive power to the Election Commission of India, while some awardees argued that synchronized polls would prevent developmental disruptions caused by the Model Code of Conduct.

Following his deposition, Chidambaram announced that the Indian National Congress and other opposition parties will launch a nationwide campaign against the legislation. The ONOE framework was originally introduced in the Lok Sabha on December 17, 2024, to synchronize Lok Sabha and state assembly elections.