Constitution Amendment Bill on delimitation and women's reservation defeated in Parliament
The Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, 2026, aimed at redistributing Lok Sabha seats based on the 2011 Census and expediting women's reservation, was defeated in Parliament. It failed to secure the required two-thirds majority, with 298 votes in favour and 230 against out of 528 members present. Following its defeat, the government withdrew two linked legislations: the Union Territories Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2026, and the Delimitation Bill, 2026. The Opposition criticized the government for linking women's reservation with delimitation based on the 2011 Census, arguing it would disadvantage southern states.
Key Points
- The Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, 2026, failed to pass due to insufficient votes, falling short of the two-thirds majority.
- The Bill sought to implement delimitation based on the 2011 Census and expedite women's reservation.
- The government subsequently withdrew two associated bills, the Union Territories Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2026, and the Delimitation Bill, 2026.
- The Opposition accused the government of "ruthless politics" and creating a false narrative about southern states losing representation.
- Home Minister Amit Shah warned the Opposition of facing the "wrath of women" voters.
Exam Facts
- Bill: Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, 2026.
- Voting results: 298 in favour, 230 against; 528 members present; 352 votes (two-thirds) required.
- Linked legislations withdrawn: Union Territories Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2026, and Delimitation Bill, 2026.
- Delimitation proposed based on: 2011 Census.
- Principle violated: "one person, one vote, one value" due to 1971 Census freeze.
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