The Constitution (One Hundred and Thirty-First Amendment) Bill, 2026, was defeated in the Lok Sabha on April 17, following which the Union government withdrew the two associated bills – the Delimitation Bill, 2026, and the Union Territories Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2025. 

The Lok Sabha voted on the contentious three-bill package intended to increase the current strength of the Lok Sabha up to 850 and allow for women’s reservation by delinking it from delimitation based on the upcoming 2027 Census. A total of 489 members who were present voted – 278 in favour and 211 against – without any abstentions.

However, for a Constitution Amendment Bill to be passed, it requires a two-thirds majority among the members present and voting. In this case, that is a minimum of 326 votes. 

Reacting to the bill’s defeat, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin said, “Tamil Nadu Defeats Delhi!” 

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said the bill was against the Constitution and........

© newslaundry