Lok Sabha seats expansion bill defeated in 2026 special session as opposition unites against proposed changes.
Lok Sabha has rejected the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, 2026, aimed at expanding its strength from 543 to 850 members. This defeat marks a significant political blow during the ongoing special parliamentary session.
Key Bill Provisions
The bill sought to increase Lok Sabha seats to a maximum of 850, with up to 815 allocated to states and 35 to Union Territories. It proposed amending Articles 81 and 82 to conduct delimitation using 2011 census data, avoiding the 2027 census. A key feature included fast-tracking 33% women’s reservation after delimitation.
Dramatic Voting Scene
In a tense vote on April 17, 2026, 489 members participated: 278 voted yes, 211 no. The bill needed 326 votes for the two-thirds majority but fell short by 48. The government then withdrew related legislation—the Delimitation Bill, 2026, and Union Territories Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2026.
Opposition’s Strong Resistance
Congress and allies opposed using outdated census figures, claiming it penalized southern states for population control success. Rahul Gandhi labeled it “unconstitutional,” while Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin celebrated the outcome as blocking northern state dominance. Heated exchanges filled the house before the vote.
Political Fallout
The rejection highlights deepening North-South divides on representation. Southern leaders fear losing proportional seats despite lower growth rates. The “She Shakti” women’s quota angle failed to sway critics.
