The Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha sessions were adjourned sine die at the start of Saturday, concluding the Parliament’s Special Session. The Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, 2026, proposing 33% reservation for women in Parliament, was defeated in the Lok Sabha the day before. Despite a day-long debate, the Bill fell short of the required two-thirds majority, receiving 278 votes in favor and 211 against.
The defeat of the Bill led to a political clash between the ruling NDA and the Opposition INDIA bloc. The proposed legislation, which also aimed to increase the House’s strength, failed to secure the constitutionally mandated two-thirds majority. Consequently, the Centre decided not to proceed with two related Bills on delimitation, treating the three Bills separately.
Following the defeat, Opposition floor leaders convened at Congress National President Mallikarjun Kharge’s chamber in the Parliament Complex. The NDA accused the INDIA bloc of obstructing a significant reform for enhancing women’s representation in legislative bodies. In response, the Opposition objected to linking the Women’s Reservation Bill with Parliament’s expansion based on the 2011 Census and delimitation.
The ruling NDA held a crucial meeting after the Bill’s defeat, deciding to address the Opposition’s resistance to women’s empowerment. The constituents plan to raise awareness through protests, press conferences, and social media campaigns nationwide. A protest campaign against the INDIA bloc is set to launch, led by the BJP’s women’s wing, the BJP Mahila Morcha, aiming to spotlight the Opposition’s alleged “anti-women agenda” and mobilize public opinion.
