The two bills that lay down the mechanism to hold simultaneous elections were introduced in the Lok Sabha after a fiery debate on Tuesday, with the opposition terming the move “dictatorial” and Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal asserting that the legislation would not tamper with the powers enjoyed by states.

One nation one election' bill that seeks to hold simultaneous elections in the country has been tabled in the Lok sabha today amid opposition uproar..

India's federal government is seeking to bring a controversial bill for holding federal and state assembly elections together.

Opposition MPs say the government failed to secure a two-thirds majority. However, experts say a special majority is not required to introduce Constitution Amendment Bills.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government introduced draft legislation in India’s parliament to hold simultaneous elections across the country, the latest step to alter the electoral landscape in the world’s biggest democracy.

During voting on whether the Bill to amend the Constitution could be introduced, the government managed to get a majority as per requirement but it fell way short of two-third majority of MPs present in the House at 269-198.

It is not clear yet if those not present had informed the party about their absence due to prior engagement or any other reason.