The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is set to issue notices to its MPs who were absent from the Lok Sabha during the introduction of the government’s One Nation, One Election Bill, sources revealed. Despite a three-line whip directing all Lok Sabha members to be present, over 20 BJP MPs reportedly failed to attend the session.

While the absence of these MPs did not impact the bill’s progress—since it was passed with a simple majority—the Congress seized the opportunity to claim the government lacked adequate support for the legislation.

The Constitution (129th Amendment) Bill and a related bill were introduced by Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal and received 269 votes in favor, with 198 opposing. However, Congress leaders argued that constitutional amendments require a two-thirds majority for passage.

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor criticized the government, stating, “To pass a Constitution amendment bill, you need a two-thirds majority, which they clearly don’t have. It’s obvious they should not persist with this for too long.”

Union Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal, while introducing the bill, countered the opposition's claims. “Laws can be brought in for electoral reforms. This bill will ease and synchronize the electoral process. There will be no harm to the Constitution or its basic structure through this reform,” he said.

The government now intends to send the bill to a committee for further deliberations and consensus-building, especially given the extensive constitutional amendments required. The amendments will also need ratification from state and union territory governments.

The Opposition, however, continues to resist the bill, asserting that it undermines the Constitution. The government has repeatedly denied these allegations, maintaining that the reforms aim to streamline the electoral process.