The Centre and the Opposition are set for a direct confrontation in Parliament as a special three-day session beginning April 16 takes up a key Constitution amendment bill linking the implementation of the women’s reservation law with a contentious delimitation exercise.
The government is expected to introduce The Constitution (One Hundred and Thirty-First Amendment) Bill, 2026, positioning it as a landmark reform to operationalise the ‘Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam’ ahead of the 2029 general election. Union Home Minister Amit Shah will table the Women’s Reservation Amendment Bill in Parliament. However, Opposition parties have closed ranks against the move, objecting to its delimitation provisions, which they allege are politically motivated.
At a strategy meeting chaired by Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, leaders from several INDIA bloc parties decided to oppose the bill collectively. Among those present were Rahul Gandhi, Tejashwi Yadav and representatives from DMK, TMC, Shiv Sena (UBT), NCP (SP), and Left parties.
Kharge asserted that while the Opposition supports women’s reservation, it cannot back what he termed a “politically motivated” attempt tied to delimitation. Congress leader Jairam Ramesh said the quota should be implemented based on the current Lok Sabha strength of 543 seats.
Gandhi alleged the proposed amendments amount to an “attempted power grab” through delimitation and gerrymandering, warning against unfair treatment of southern and smaller states.
Also read: Women’s quota row: INDIA bloc to oppose Bill
The Centre, backed by the NDA, has defended the move as essential to fast-track women’s representation in legislatures. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has described the implementation of the quota law as a “historic step” that would strengthen Indian democracy.
According to the draft bill, the number of Lok Sabha seats could increase from 543 to as many as 850 to accommodate 33 per cent reservation for women, following a delimitation exercise based on the last published Census.
Passing the amendment will require a special majority, more than 50 per cent of total membership and a two-thirds majority of those present and voting. With the NDA holding 292 seats and the Opposition around 233, the outcome may hinge on support from smaller parties.
The proposal has triggered unease in southern states, which fear that population-based seat redistribution could reduce their political influence despite better population control and economic performance.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. K. Stalin has warned of a “massive agitation” if the state’s interests are harmed, while Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy has called for a united front against the move.
With both sides mobilising support, the upcoming session is poised to witness a high-stakes political contest that could reshape the contours of representation in India’s democracy.
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