New Delhi: Members of the opposition on Thursday (December 4) questioned the chairperson of the Law Commission about the usefulness of the proposed law on “one nation, one election (ONOE)”, with some of the opposition leaders also expressing their concern that ONOE was being pushed without proper public consultation.

On Thursday, the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC), examining the bill that would enable ONOE, heard submissions from Dinesh Maheshwari, the chairperson of the 23rd Law Commission of India.

Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra asked Maheshwari how would  simultaneous polls be useful for the country and also sought three concrete examples to justify the proposal, reported The Tribune, citing sources.

Maheshwari also faced a string of questions after he remarked that people should not concern themselves with the election schedule or the timing of polls, and should instead focus on their role as voters. Following this, several opposition members asked how voters’ role could be sidelined in an electoral process, reported The Tribune.

Following the meeting, JPC chairperson and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP P.P. Chaudhary told reporters that clarifications had been provided to members who had doubts, and any additional issues would be taken in writing.

“The experts came, including the Law Commission Chairman. All members asked for clarification, and everything will be considered before the committee makes its recommendations. ONOE is in the country’s interest because it will solve several issues, whether economic or related to governance… The committee is giving everyone ample time to present their views,” said Chaudhary.

The next meeting of the committee will take place on December 10, where Rajya Sabha MP and senior advocate Kapil Sibal has been invited to depose.

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