The stage is set for a major legislative push by the central government as two bills related to the ambitious “One Nation, One Election” initiative are scheduled for introduction in the Lok Sabha on Monday, December 16.

Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal is expected to present The Constitution (129th Amendment) Bill and The Union Territories Laws (Amendment) Bill, marking a significant step towards implementing simultaneous Lok Sabha and state legislative assembly elections.

On Thursday, the Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, gave its nod to the constitutional amendment bill that seeks to align elections for the Lok Sabha and state assemblies. This decision underscores the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party’s commitment to its long-standing agenda of electoral synchronization, aimed at reducing the frequency of polls and associated costs.

The Cabinet also approved a supplementary bill to amend specific provisions related to three Union territories with legislative assemblies—Delhi, Puducherry, and Jammu & Kashmir. This aligns their governance framework with the overarching constitutional amendments proposed under the “One Nation, One Election” initiative.

The constitutional amendment bill aims to streamline the electoral calendar by establishing a legal framework for conducting Lok Sabha and state assembly elections simultaneously. However, the government has, for now, opted to exclude local body polls, such as those for municipalities and panchayats, from this framework. A high-level committee chaired by former President Ram Nath Kovind had earlier suggested a phased approach to include local elections in the future.

The concept of “One Nation, One Election” has been a focal point in political discourse, with proponents arguing it will enhance governance by reducing electoral disruptions and fostering policy stability. Critics, however, have raised concerns about the logistical and constitutional challenges of synchronizing diverse electoral cycles across India’s federal structure.

This legislative development will undoubtedly dominate parliamentary discussions as political parties prepare to deliberate on the feasibility and implications of reshaping India’s electoral landscape.

The introduction of these bills is expected to spark robust debate, with the government emphasizing the potential benefits of reduced administrative burdens and streamlined governance, while opposition parties scrutinize its impact on India’s democratic fabric.

Lal Krishna Advani, a towering figure in Indian politics and one of the founding members of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), has been admitted to Apollo Hospital in Delhi after his health deteriorated late last night. The 97-year-old veteran leader has been grappling with persistent health issues, marking this as his fourth hospital visit since July.

According to sources, Mr. Advani has been undergoing treatment intermittently at both Apollo Hospital and the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Delhi over the past few months. His hospitalization comes as he continues to face age-related ailments that require specialized medical attention.

BJP spokesperson K Krishna Sagar Rao expressed concern and extended wishes for Mr. Advani’s recovery. “I pray for a good, healthy recovery for our tallest leader, Shri LK Advani, as he is admitted into Apollo Hospital, Delhi,” Mr. Rao wrote on X, formerly Twitter.

Born on November 8, 1927, in Karachi, then part of undivided India, LK Advani’s political journey began during the tumultuous era of pre-Independence India. He joined the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) in 1942 and later became instrumental in shaping the BJP into a national political force.

Known for his political acumen and ideological commitment, Mr. Advani served as the longest-tenured National President of the BJP. He played a central role in the BJP’s rise, particularly through his leadership during the Ayodhya movement in the 1990s, which redefined the party’s trajectory.

During the Atal Bihari Vajpayee-led NDA government, Mr. Advani held significant positions, including Home Minister and Deputy Prime Minister, from 1999 to 2004. His leadership was marked by decisive policymaking and efforts to bolster India’s internal security.

In March this year, Mr. Advani was awarded the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian honor, by President Droupadi Murmu. The award recognized his immense contributions to Indian politics and his role in shaping the modern political landscape of the country.

As news of his hospitalization spread, prayers and well-wishes poured in from party leaders, colleagues, and admirers. Many credit Mr. Advani for laying the foundation of the BJP’s political philosophy and for his unwavering dedication to the nation.

While Mr. Advani remains under medical observation, his resilience continues to inspire generations of leaders. Updates on his health are being closely monitored, with hopes for his speedy recovery.

LK Advani’s journey in Indian politics spans over seven decades, reflecting a life dedicated to public service, ideological conviction, and national progress. His influence on the BJP and the broader political spectrum of India remains unparalleled, making him one of the most revered figures in contemporary Indian history.

Telugu superstar Allu Arjun, who was arrested on Friday afternoon in connection with a stampede at Hyderabad’s Sandhya Theatre, has been granted interim bail by the Telangana High Court. The tragic incident occurred on December 3 during an unscheduled appearance by the actor at a special screening of his much-anticipated film, Pushpa 2: The Rule.

The stampede led to the death of a woman and left her nine-year-old son with serious injuries. Following the arrest, the High Court ordered Mr. Arjun’s release on interim bail for four weeks, citing his constitutional right to liberty. The court also emphasized that “being an actor does not justify prolonged detention.”

Allu Arjun was taken into custody from his residence in Jubilee Hills earlier in the day and brought to the Chikkadpally Police Station. According to the actor, the police allegedly entered his bedroom to execute the arrest, a move that his family, including his father, veteran filmmaker Allu Aravind, strongly criticized.

The arrest followed a complaint filed by the husband of the woman who lost her life in the incident. The complaint alleged that the actor and the theatre’s management failed to notify local authorities about his appearance, resulting in inadequate crowd control measures.

However, representatives from Allu Arjun’s office and the Sandhya Theatre management countered these claims, insisting that the police were informed well in advance. To substantiate this, a letter purportedly sent to the authorities detailing the actor’s planned visit was released shortly after his arrest.

Earlier, a lower court had remanded Allu Arjun to judicial custody for 14 days and dismissed his plea to delay the arrest until Monday. This prompted his legal team to approach the High Court for relief. On December 11, the actor also filed a petition seeking to have the case quashed entirely.

Hyderabad Police have launched an investigation into two critical aspects of the case: whether the actor had prior permission from authorities to appear at the theatre and whether he was authorized to interact with fans in the vicinity.

The incident has raised questions about crowd management at high-profile events and the responsibility of organizers in ensuring public safety. As the legal process continues, the spotlight remains firmly on one of Telugu cinema’s biggest stars.

Also Read: Actor Allu Arjun arrested over Hyderabad theatre stampede