The Centre is set for a major legislative battle as it prepares to introduce the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, 2026, during a special three-day session of Parliament beginning Thursday. The proposed law seeks to expand the Lok Sabha from 545 to 850 seats, triggering sharp reactions from the Opposition.
The government has linked the expansion to the implementation of the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, which ensures 33 percent reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and state assemblies. However, Opposition parties have criticised the move, calling it a political strategy to push through a contentious delimitation exercise.
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As a constitutional amendment under Article 368, the bill requires a special majority in both Houses of Parliament. In the Lok Sabha, at least 360 votes are needed if all members are present and voting. The ruling NDA currently holds 293 seats, leaving a gap of around 67 votes. The Opposition bloc, with 234 MPs, has enough strength to block the bill if it remains united.
In the Rajya Sabha, the NDA is relatively better placed but still short of numbers. Out of 244 members, at least 163 votes are required, while the ruling alliance has 141.
Key allies such as the Telugu Desam Party have also raised concerns, particularly about the impact of delimitation on southern states, adding to the uncertainty.
Opposition leaders, including Rahul Gandhi and Akhilesh Yadav, have termed the move a conspiracy, while Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. K. Stalin has announced protests against it. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge said the party supports women’s reservation but opposes the delimitation aspect.
The government, meanwhile, has defended the bill as a historic reform, with Union minister Kiren Rijiju expressing confidence of securing the required support.
