- Bill falls short of two-thirds majority despite majority support; government to withdraw linked proposals
Punjab Newsline | New Delhi
The Women’s Reservation and Delimitation Amendment Bill failed to pass in the Lok Sabha on Friday evening, marking the first legislative defeat for the ruling NDA government in 12 years.
Despite a last-minute appeal by Prime Minister Narendra Modi urging Members of Parliament to “vote according to their conscience,” and efforts by Home Minister Amit Shah, a united opposition rejected the proposal. The bill, which sought to increase the number of Lok Sabha seats across states by 50% and expand women’s representation, could not secure the required two-thirds majority needed for a constitutional amendment.
A total of 528 MPs participated in the voting. Of these, 298 voted in favour of the bill, while 230 opposed it. Although the bill received majority support, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla clarified that it fell short of the mandatory two-thirds threshold approximately 352 votes resulting in its failure to pass.
The proposed legislation, linked to the 131st Constitutional Amendment, was seen as a key reform initiative. Following its defeat, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju announced that two related bills, including one on delimitation, would be withdrawn.
Reacting sharply, Rijiju said, “The Opposition has squandered a historic opportunity to honor women. We will not rest until we ensure that women in this country receive reservation in legislatures.”
The development underscores a rare parliamentary setback for the government and highlights deep divisions between the ruling alliance and the opposition over electoral reforms and women’s representation.
What Are These Three Bills?
Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, 2026
This is the most significant bill, as it proposes amendments to certain constitutional provisions to redefine population data and enable the implementation of women’s reservation. A key highlight is the plan to increase the number of Members of Parliament in view of the growing population. The bill proposes an amendment to Article 81 of the Constitution, raising the maximum strength of the Lok Sabha to 850 seats—815 for states and 35 for Union Territories. It also includes provisions for carrying out a fresh delimitation exercise to determine seat allocation.
Union Territories Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2026
This bill seeks to provide 33% reservation for women in the legislative assemblies of Delhi, Jammu & Kashmir, and Puducherry. It also includes provisions for the reallocation of seats in these assemblies.
Delimitation Bill, 2026
The government has stated that Lok Sabha seats have not been revised since 1976, making delimitation a pressing need. The number of seats for states is also yet to be finalized. According to the government, the delimitation process will be carried out based on the 2011 Census. A Delimitation Commission will be set up in each state, which will consult all political parties before finalizing the allocation of seats.