Women’s Reservation Bill Defeated in Lok Sabha, Fails to Secure Two-Thirds Majority

New Delhi, April 17, 2026: The Lok Sabha has defeated the Constitutional (131st Amendment) Bill, 2026, which sought to provide 33% reservation for women in Parliament and state assemblies, after it failed to secure the required two-thirds majority.

The Bill received 298 votes in favour and 230 against following a prolonged two-day debate. As a constitutional amendment, it required at least 360 votes in the 540-member House to pass.

This marks the first time in 12 years that a constitutional amendment introduced by the Modi government has failed in Parliament.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged Members of Parliament to support the legislation, stating that concerns and misconceptions had been addressed. He emphasised that women’s reservation had been delayed for decades and called for greater representation of women in decision-making.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah also appealed to members to take a “sensitive decision,” warning that women across the country were closely watching the proceedings.

However, the Opposition united against the Bill, raising concerns that the proposed delimitation exercise could alter electoral boundaries in ways that might favour certain states. Opposition leaders argued that delimitation should be addressed separately before implementing reservation.

Sources indicated that the government made last-minute efforts to reach out to parties, including the Samajwadi Party, but failed to secure sufficient support.

Following the defeat, Union Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Kiren Rijiju stated that two related Bills linked to the amendment would not be taken up.

Political observers noted that the government may seek to take the issue directly to the public, positioning the Bill’s defeat as a setback to women’s representation and accountability for the Opposition.

The development underscores the challenges of building consensus on major constitutional reforms, particularly those tied to broader electoral changes.

Source: Indian Express

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