The Centre is pushing the Constitution (One Hundred and Thirty-First Amendment) Bill, 2026, as a landmark reform to operationalise the women’s quota law. However, Opposition parties have decided to oppose the legislation over its delimitation provisions, setting the stage for a heated debate.
The proposed framework has triggered concerns, particularly among southern states, which fear that a fresh delimitation exercise based on population could reduce their representation in Parliament despite better population control outcomes.
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Ahead of the session, senior Opposition leaders met at Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge’s residence to firm up a joint strategy. After the meeting, Kharge said parties were united in opposing the delimitation component of the bill, calling it “politically motivated,” while reiterating support for women’s reservation.
Congress leader Jairam Ramesh said the Opposition favours implementing the one-third quota for women based on the current Lok Sabha strength of 543 seats in time for the 2029 general elections.
The government, meanwhile, is expected to introduce a set of legislation in the Lok Sabha, including the Constitution amendment bill, a delimitation bill, and an enabling law for Union territories with legislatures — Delhi, Jammu and Kashmir, and Puducherry — to fast-track implementation of the women’s reservation law passed in 2023.
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As per the proposal, the number of Lok Sabha seats could be increased to as many as 850 from the current 543 to facilitate the quota, following a delimitation exercise based on the latest census data. The draft bill also mentions increasing the number of seats in state assemblies and Union territories to accommodate 33% reservation for women.
The amendment will require a special majority in both Houses of Parliament — more than 50% of the total membership and a two-thirds majority of members present and voting. If all 540 current members are present, at least 360 votes would be needed for passage.
In terms of numbers, the NDA holds 292 seats in the Lok Sabha, while the Opposition bloc has 233 MPs, making the outcome contingent on support beyond party lines.
