Women's Quota Bill Defeated In Lok Sabha, Fails To Get Two-Third Majority

The Constitution Amendment Bill to tweak women quota law was defeated in Lok Sabha on Friday after division of votes.

'The Constitution (One Hundred and Thirty-First Amendment) Bill, 2026', 'The Delimitation Bill, 2026' and 'The Union Territories Laws (Amendment Bill), 2026' were introduced in the House.

While 298 members voted in support of the Bill, 230 MPs voted against it. Out of 528 members who voted, the Bill required 352 votes for a two-thirds majority.

According to the Constitution Amendment Bill, Lok Sabha seats were to be increased to a maximum of 850 from the current 543 to "operationalise" the women's reservation law before the 2029 parliamentary polls, following a delimitation exercise based on the 2011 Census.

Seats were also to be increased in states and Union Territory assemblies to accommodate 33 per cent reservation for women.

"We have defeated this attack on the Constitution. We have clearly said that this is not a women's reservation bill, but it is a way to change India's political structure," said Congress leader Rahul Gandhi.

Ahead of voting, Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to X and request the members of Parliament not to do anything that may hurt the sentiments of women across India.

"Crores of women are watching us…our intent and our decisions. I once again request that everyone support the amendments to the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam," Modi said.

Home Minister Amit Shah said that everything is being opposed, including the Women's Reservation Bill.

"When Article 370 was revoked, they opposed it; when the Ram Temple was built, they opposed it; when CAA was introduced, they opposed it; when triple talaq was abolished, they opposed it; when GST was implemented, they opposed it; when Ayushman Bharat was launched, they opposed it; when the new Parliament building was constructed, they opposed it; efforts to curb Naxalism were opposed; strong action against terrorism was opposed; surgical strikes were opposed; air strikes were opposed; even Operation Sindoor was opposed. It seems they have made up their mind to oppose whatever Narendra Modi does, without considering whether it is good or bad."

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