While 298 members voted in support of the Bill, 230 MPs voted against it. Out of 528 members who voted, the Bill required 352 votes for a two-thirds majority. Photo: X/@sansad_tv
A Constitution Amendment Bill to implement reservation for women in legislatures in 2029 and increase the number of seats of the Lok Sabha was defeated on Friday (April 17, 2026) in the Lower House. While 298 members voted in support of the Bill, 230 MPs voted against it. The Bill was defeated for not securing the required two-thirds majority.
Subsequently, the Union government said it will not move ahead with two related Bills, saying that they cannot be viewed in isolation. Expressing disappointment over the defeat of the Bill, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju said this is a missed opportunity for consensus on an important reform.
Meanwhile, Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday (April 17, 2026) replied to the debate. He said an imbalance in ratio of voters to MPs can be corrected through delimitation. He also said that the Congress deprived people of delimitation when it was in power, and it is still doing the same.
Also Read : Delimitation: Perspectives and viewpoints
Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, during his speech in Lok Sabha, said the Constitution Amendment Bill has nothing to do with women’s reservation, but is an attempt by the government to change the country’s electoral map by taking away representation from southern, northeastern and smaller States, which is “nothing short of an anti-national act”.
The Parliament is adjourned for the day, and will meet again on Saturday (April 18, 2026).
This live is now closed
298 members vote in favour of the Bills
After Home Minister Amit Shah concluded his reply in Lok Sabha, the House proceeded to vote on the amendments to the Bills.
Out of 528 members who participated, 298 members voted in favour of the Bills, and 230 members opposed them.
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Govt. wants to change India’s electoral map, Opposition will defeat the Bill: Rahul Gandhi
Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Friday (April 17, 2026) said the Constitution Amendment Bill was a “panic reaction” by the government that has nothing to do with women’s reservation but alter the country’s electoral map by taking away representation from southern, northeastern and smaller States.
He called it “nothing short of an anti-national act” and said the Opposition is going to defeat the attempt to “attack the nation state” and “defeat this Bill right here”.
Govt. wants to change India’s electoral map, Opposition will defeat the Bill, says Rahul
Rahul Gandhi declares the Constitution Amendment Bill an anti-national act, asserting the Opposition will defeat it to protect representation.
outside parliament
April 17, 2026 20:42
'Nefarious attempt of PM, HM to link delimitation to women's quota decisively defeated': Congress
The Congress on Friday said the “nefarious attempt” of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah to link their “dangerous delimitation proposals” to women’s reservation has been decisively defeated in the Lok Sabha, and asserted that it was a win for democracy and the Constitution.
The Opposition party said the defeat also calls into question the legitimacy of “the non-biological, non-grihasthi PM.”
In a post on X, Congress general secretary in-charge communications Jairam Ramesh said, “The nefarious and mischievous attempt of the PM and HM to link their dangerous delimitation proposals to women’s reservation (that had already been settled) has been decisively defeated in the Lok Sabha.” “This is a win for our democracy, our federalism, and the Constitution. This also calls into question the legitimacy of the non-biological, non-grihasthi PM,” Mr. Ramesh said.
The next steps for the Modi Government are clear -- they should implement 33% reservation for women in the existing set up of the Lok Sabha for the 2029 elections, he said.
“This has been the consistent demand of the entire Opposition ever since September 2023 when the Parliament unanimously passed the Nari Shakti Vandan Act 2023 - which finally got notified only late last night,” Mr. Ramesh said.
-PTI
outside parliament
April 17, 2026 20:14
Attack on Constitution defeated, says Rahul Gandhi as bill to amend women’s quota law fails LS test
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Friday said the Constitution Amendment Bill brought by the government to tweak the women’s quota law was an attack on the Constitution, which the Opposition has defeated.
The Bill was not aimed at providing women reservation, but an attempt to change India’s electoral structure, the leader of opposition in Lok Sabha said.
“As I have said, it was an attack on the Constitution and we defeated that,” he said outside Parliament.
“We clearly said that this was not a women’s bill, but an attempt to change India’s electoral structure which we have stopped,” he added.
-PTI
outside parliament
April 17, 2026 20:13
Tamil Nadu defeats Delhi: TN CM Stalin on Constitution Amendment Bill's defeat in Lok Sabha.
Chief Minister M.K. Stalin on Friday said “Tamil Nadu defeats Delhi” on the defeat of the Constitution Amendment Bill in the Lok Sabha.
Quickly reacting to the defeat of the Bill to implement reservation for women in legislatures in 2029 and increase the number of seats of the Lok Sabha in the Lower House, Mr. Stalin posted in social media a portrait of him setting on fire a copy of the Delimitation Bill.
Further, Mr. Stalin said: “On April 23, we will defeat Delhi’s arrogance, together with slaves who support that arrogance.”
-PTI
April 17, 2026 20:04
Alongside 131st Amendment, govt shelves two Bills
The government on Friday said it would not proceed with two related Bills linked to the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, stressing that they could not be viewed in isolation.
Addressing the House, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju described the legislation as an important and historic measure for women, but expressed disappointment over the Opposition’s lack of support.
The government said the outcome reflected a missed opportunity for consensus on a key reform.
Mr. Rijiju reiterated that efforts to ensure greater respect and representation for women would continue under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
April 17, 2026 19:51
Lok Sabha adjourned for the day, to meet again on Saturday
Lok Sabha adjourned to meet again on April 18, 2026 at 11 a.m.
April 17, 2026 19:50
131st Constitution Amendment Bill fails to pass in Lok Sabha
The 131st Constitution Amendment Bill fails to pass in Lok Sabha.
The Bill could not secure the required two-thirds majority.
lok sabha
April 17, 2026 19:19
Amit Shah concludes speech in Lok Sabha
lok sabha
April 17, 2026 19:09
BJP has always supported women's participation in Parliament: Amit Shah
Speaking on women’s reservation, Amit Shah says participation of women in politics has steadily increased over the years, citing that there were 22 women members in the first Lok Sabha, 51 in the 14th, a record 71 in the 17th, and 75 in the 18th.
He says this data reflects a clear upward trend. “We need to provide a larger platform to further enhance this participation.”
He adds that the government has supported this effort in both letter and spirit. “Members like Uma Bharti, Anandiben Patel, Sushma Swaraj and Vasundhara Raje were pioneers in leading States. Delhi now also has a woman Chief Minister.” he adds.
lok sabha
April 17, 2026 19:05
Congress has always opposed women's reservation law: Amit Shah
Speaking in the Lok Sabha on women’s reservation, Amit Shah says the 33% quota for women in panchayats was introduced in 1992 under then Prime Minister P.V. Narasimha Rao, but alleged that the Congress never supported him.
He adds that when H.D. Deve Gowda became Prime Minister in 1996, some parties opposed the proposed amendment to bring in women’s reservation law.
lok sabha
April 17, 2026 18:57
Congress has historically opposed caste-based reservation: Amit Shah
Replying to the debate on Friday, Home Minister Amit Shah says the Congress party has historically opposed caste-based census and reservation.
He says, the Congress party, in all these years never had an OBC Prime Minister. “This changed after Narendra Modi became the PM,” he says.
“In 1980, former PM Indira Gandhi put the Mandal Commission on hold. In 1990, when Rajiv Gandhi became the PM, it was accepted, and he gave a two-and-a-half-hour speech and opposed OBC reservation,” Mr. Shah says.
For Congress, winning elections is priority, but for us, representation of the people of our country, and their participation are more important, Mr. Shah says in Lok Sabha.
lok sabha
April 17, 2026 18:46
Amit Shah urges Lok Sabha to pass Bills; assures of official amendment mentioning 50% increase in LS seats across States if Opposition agrees
Home Minister Amit Shah urges all the members of the House to pass the Bills.
He assures of official amendment mentioning 50% increase in LS seats across States if Opposition agrees
Mr. Shah suggests the House can be adjourned for one hour, discuss, come back and pass the Bills.
SP MP Akhilesh Yadav says he doesn’t believe the BJP government to bring in positive reforms.
lok sabha
April 17, 2026 18:41
South representation will not diminish after delimitation: Amit Shah says in LS
Replying to the debate in Lok Sabha on Friday, Home Minister Amit Shah says there is a perception among members that southern representation will diminish after delimitation.
“I want to make it clear that south representation will not come down post delimitation, I can guarantee that,” he says.
lok sabha
April 17, 2026 18:39
Congress deprived people of delimitation when it was in power: Amit Shah
Speaking in the House on Friday, Amit Shah says Congress deprived people of delimitation when it was in power.
“It is still doing the same,” he adds.
He says people opposing delimitation are against an increase in number of SC, ST seats.
lok sabha
April 17, 2026 18:38
Members from south India have same right as members from north: Amit Shah
Speaking in the House on Friday, Amit Shah says, MPs from the southern India have the same right as the members from the northern parts of the country.
“Even people from a small UT like Lakshadweep should be fairly represented,” Mr. Shah says.
lok sabha
April 17, 2026 18:32
Population has gone up, number of MPs unchanged in 50 years: Amit Shah
Home Minister Amit Shah says the population of India has significantly gone up between 1976 and 2026. However, the number of MPs representing this population has not increased proportionately, he says.
“Every voter should have an equal value for their right, and post this expansion, we believe, they will,” Mr. Shah says.
We are increasing seats in each State by 50%, on pro rata basis, Mr. Shah adds. “We will make sure none of the voters remain unrepresented,” he adds.
lok sabha
April 17, 2026 18:26
Imbalance in ratio of voters to MPs can be corrected through delimitation says Amit Shah
Speaking in the Lok Sabha on Friday, Home Minister Amit Shah says there is an imbalanced representation in the country. “In some States, a few lakhs of people are represented by one MP, and in others, a few thousands,” he says.
This imbalance in ratio of voters to MPs can be corrected through delimitation, Mr. Shah adds.
He further goes on to say Indira Gandhi brought in delimitation when she was the Prime Minister. “She increased the Lok Sabha seats from 522 to 543 in 1972,” he says.
lok sabha
April 17, 2026 18:19
Govt has brought in these administrative reforms for women empowerment, balanced representation: Amit Shah
Replying to the debate on Friday, Home Minister Amit Shah says the Narendra Modi government has brought in these administrative reforms to empower women, and to achieve balanced representation.
“Only after the delimitation process is done, we shall bring in the women’s reservation law,” he says.
lok sabha
April 17, 2026 18:13
Opposition to the Bill is not for implementation but for women's reservation: Amit Shah
Replying to the debate in Lok Sabha on Friday, Home Minister Amit Shah says the opposition to the Bill is not for implementation but for women’s reservation.
lok sabha
April 17, 2026 18:11
Amit Shah replies to debate in Lok Sabha
lok sabha
April 17, 2026 17:37
Amendment to quota law reflects aspirations of crores of women: Annpurna Devi
Union minister Annpurna Devi on Friday said the proposed amendment to the women’s reservation act reflects the aspirations of crores of women and will mark a historic step towards ensuring their greater participation in lawmaking.
Participating in a debate in the Lok Sabha on the three bills introduced for amendments to the women’s quota law and setting up a delimitation commission, the minister for women and child development said the bills are strong proof of women’s rights and dignity in India.
“Crores of women across the country are watching the proceedings with great hope and expectation. After decades of struggle, they feel their aspirations are finally being fulfilled,” Ms. Devi said.
Claiming that such efforts faced repeated delays earlier, she said, “Whenever it comes to giving rights to women, the opposition creates hurdles to delay and derail the process.” She also questioned the Congress’ record on OBC issues, saying the party failed to act on key measures despite being in power for decades.
“You (Congress) ruled the country for 50 years. Why didn’t you act on the Mandal Commission report? Why was the OBC Commission not given constitutional status?” she asked.
“It was under Prime Minister Narendra Modi that the OBC Commission was granted constitutional status,” she said.
-PTI
lok sabha
April 17, 2026 16:28
We oppose Delimitation Bill under guise of women's quota: Congress MP Varsha Gaikwad
Congress MP Varsha Gaikwad says the party is opposed to the Delimitation Bill which the government is trying to pass under the guise of women’s reservation.
“This Bill has already been passed in 2023 and it should have been implemented in 2024 itself. If it had been, we wouldn’t be sitting here having this discussion. Mallikarjun Kharge and Sonia Gandhi have already mentioned this law should have been implemented in 2024 elections itself to recognise women,” she adds, referring to the Congress as being pro-women through the years by electing them as party chiefs, chief ministers and prime ministers.
“Can BJP elect a woman chief for their party? Can RSS chief be a woman,” Ms. Gaikwad asks.
lok sabha
April 17, 2026 16:15
DMK's arguments against women's quota law tweaks fear mongering: Kumaraswamy
Union Minister and JD(S) leader H.D. Kumaraswamy described the DMK’s arguments against bills to tweak the women quota law as “fear mongering” and said they do not represent the views of the southern States.
Congress is not prepared to handle the massive change and that the party has lost touch with people and does not know how to cope with this transformation, he added. “The Congress, which has lost the capacity to think independently, lost its ability to develop its own arguments is now being led by the DMK’s narrative.”
“Rahul Gandhi called himself the younger brother of (Tamil Nadu Chief Minister) M.K. Stalin sometime back but it appears that after the seat-sharing dispute, the elder brother is angry with the younger brother. The younger brother is still looking for some love from the older brother...,” he said.
PTI
lok sabha
April 17, 2026 16:01
Oppn. trying to break hopes, aspirations of women: Women & Child Development Minister Annapurna Devi
Women and Child Development Minister Annapurna Devi, speaking during the discussion in Lok Sabha, condemns the “unparliamentary expressions” used by Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi in his speech opposing amendments to women’s quota law.
Speaking in favour of the Bills, Ms. Devi alleges that the Opposition MPs’ attempts is breaking the hopes and expectations of crores of women who are looking forward to the 33% reservation.
On matters of delimitaion, Ms. Devi says Union Home Minister Amit Shah will elaborate and clarify the details during his speech in the Lok Sabha today.
lok sabha
April 17, 2026 15:52
Chaos in J&K, Assam in the name of delimitation: J&K-NC's Mian Altaf Ahmad
Jammu & Kashmir National Conference MP Mian Altaf Ahmad says there was no merit and chaos was carried out in the name of delimitation in J&K and Assam. He also questioned the need for a special sitting of the Parliament on women’s reservation.
“If you want to carry out delimitation, it should be conducted with better credibility of the Delimitation Commission,” he says, adding that the commission visited J&K only for two days and was primarily based in New Delhi which created a lot of confusion.
lok sabha
April 17, 2026 15:44
Rahul Gandhi will be responsible if we implement women's quota and southern States lose seats: Nishikant Dubey
”You are talking about delimitation? If the Women’s Reservation Act, 2023, is implemented as the government has notified, we are ready to implement it from tomorrow based on 543 seats and it’ll happen... Who will be responsible for southern States? They will lose out on seats and Rahul Gandhi will be responsible for it,” Nishikant Dubey says.
He appeals to the members of the House to allow for the implementation of women’s quota from 2029, while protecting the southern States and women of all sections.
lok sabha
April 17, 2026 15:37
BJP's Nishikant Dubey and Akhilesh Yadav debate over caste census
During BJP MP Nishikant Dubey’s speech referring to Congress leaders historically opposing the caste census, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav rises to ask questions on when it will be conducted and whether OBC women will be included in the women’s reservation law.
To this, Kiren Rijiju says specific answers shall be elaborated on during Home Minister Amit Shah’s reply in the Lok Sabha.
“Do not flip too many pages of the history book,” Mr. Yadav quips as Mr. Dubey continues
lok sabha
April 17, 2026 15:28
Rahul Gandhi gives his speech, walks out without listening to others: BJP MP Anurag Thakur
After Rahul Gandhi’s speech, BJP MP Anurag Thakur rises to point out that the Congress leader repeatedly walks out after saying “wrongful” things. He adds that it is against the rules of the House.
To this, Chair Jagdambika Pal requests the House to maintain decorum and clarifies that anyone who wishes to move out of the House, can do so.
lok sabha
April 17, 2026 15:25
Answer to your problem is in '16': Rahul Gandhi concludes his speech
“I know much more than what I am saying this House,” Rahul Gandhi says, pointing towards the ruling MPs. He adds the Opposition will defeat the Bill in the next 30-45 minutes.
He terms PM Modi’s speech in Lok Sabha on Thursday (April 16, 2026) as “low energy” in which “nothing was transmitting”. He repeats his claim that it is a panic move by the BJP.
He refers to the date and says “16 is the number, it is the whole answer to the riddle.”
lok sabha
April 17, 2026 15:22
LoP asks BJP to 'stop hiding behind people of India'
Amid continued disruption, Rahul Gandhi attempts to continue his speech. Speaker Birla reprimands him over not speaking on the Bill and using “unparliamentary expressions” in the House.
“BJP thinks they are the people of India. They think also think they are the armed forces. They should stop hiding behind them. We will defeat this Bill right here,” he says.
lok sabha
April 17, 2026 15:16
Din in Lok Sabha over Rahul Gandhi's speech
“We did not want to disrupt the speech, but how can he make references to Prime Minister. What will the new MPs learn from LoP. Even the Speaker has reminded you several times,” Kiren Rijiju hits out at Rahul Gandhi
lok sabha
April 17, 2026 15:13
Rahul Gandhi says PM wanted to sent two messages
Rahul Gandhi says the BJP knew very clearly that this Bill actually cannot be passed. Further he says: “They are not stupid and knew every Opposition person will oppose. This was a panic reaction. Prime Minister wanted to send two messages: he wanted to change the electoral map and wanted to send another message that he is pro-women.”
“Why he’s doing that? I will leave to your imagination.”
“We know exactly why he is doing it,” he asserts
lok sabha
April 17, 2026 15:10
Speak on the Bill, nobody will interrupt: Speaker Om Birla
lok sabha
April 17, 2026 15:09
Govt. attempting to ‘rejig’ political map; no space for Dalits, OBCs: Rahul Gandhi
Referring to Dalits and OBCs, Rahul Gandhi says: “You call them Hindus and you do not give them any space in this country.”
Further, he says the government is trying to “rejig” the political map as it did in Jammu and Kashmir, and Assam.
He adds that both Indira Gandhi and Atal Bihari Vajpayee understood the “dangers of it (delimitation)” and did not allow for it to happen.
lok sabha
April 17, 2026 15:05
Din in Lok Sabha during Rahul Gandhi's address
Amid din in the House over Rahul Gandhi’s speech, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju rises to request the LoP to not extend the speech beyond time. “We will allow you to speak without disruption and that side should allow to”
Speaker Om Birla makes repeated requests to maintain decorum of the House and urges Rahul Gandhi to speak on the Bill.
lok sabha
April 17, 2026 15:03
'I'm painting a picture, will fit together in the end,' Rahul Gandhi tells Speaker
On being interrupted by Speaker Om Birla for getting into another story about magic, Rahul Gandhi refers to his “artistic freedom” and says: “I’m painting a picture. All of it is connected and will fit together in the end. It will be fun”
lok sabha
April 17, 2026 14:56
Entire Opposition is going to defeat attempt to attack nation state: Rahul Gandhi
“This is nothing short of an anti-national Act. Under no circumstance are we going to allow you to do this. The entire Opposition is going to defeat the attempt of yours to attack the nation state and deprive the Dalits and OBCs of their rightful place in society,” Rahul Gandhi states.
“I want to assure the southern, northeastern, and smaller States that we will not allow the government to touch your representation in the Union of India,” he adds.
lok sabha
April 17, 2026 14:55
Bill has nothing to do with women empowerment: Rahul Gandhi
Stating that the Bill has “nothing to do” with women empowerment, Rahul Gandhi says that it is an attempt to change the electoral map of India.
Highlighting “truths”, he says this is about bypassing the caste census and “not giving any place” to the minorities of the country including the Dalits and OBCs.
lok sabha
April 17, 2026 14:51
'Truth is often in darkness and you need courage to fight for it': Rahul Gandhi recalls lesson from Indira Gandhi
Recalling an incident from his childhood, Rahul Gandhi talks about a “political and religious” lesson he learnt from his grandmother and former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. “She told me that truth is often in the darkness and one needs courage to understand and fight for it,” he adds, narrating a story of his sister and him being scared of a dog when they were children.
lok sabha
April 17, 2026 14:42
My sister did what I haven't been able to achieve in last 20 years: Rahul Gandhi
Leader of Opposition (LoP) in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi begins his speech on a lighter note by referring his his sister and Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra’s speech in the Lok Sabha on Thursday (April 17, 2026).
“My sister was able to do what I haven’t been able to achieve in the last 20 years, to make Amit Shah laugh,” he said, adding that he appreciates her style of talking which is different than his.
lok sabha
April 17, 2026 14:40
LoP in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi begins his speech
lok sabha
April 17, 2026 14:38
BJP MP Hema Malini speaks in favour of Bills, thanks PM Modi
BJP MP Hema Malini, speaking in favour of amendments to the Women’s Reservation Act, appealed to the House to pass the Bills and allow women to move forward with independence and respect. During her speech, she also referred to prominent film and music personalities.
April 17, 2026 14:32
Ahead of voting, PM Modi appeals to MPs to pass amendments in women's reservation law
With the Lok Sabha set to vote on the passage of three significant Bill at 4 p.m. today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi made an appeal to the Members of the House, urging them to “not deprive Nari Shakti of new opportunities”.
“If this amendment is passed unanimously, it will further empower the women of our country and strengthen our democracy. Let us come together today to create history. Let us ensure that the women of India, who are half of the nation’s population, receive their rightful due,” he wrote in a post on X.
April 17, 2026 14:08
Full speech of DMK MP
A. Raja on Delimitation Bill and women reservation
April 17, 2026 14:06
In the name of women's right, the govt is promoting discrimination among States: A. Raja, DMK MP
Prime Minister and Home Minister are misguiding the Parliament, said DMK MP A. Raja.
He said, “It is in the name of women’s right, the govt is promoting discrimination among States. By discrimination you want to promote North-South divide. By this divide you want to have perpetual rule in center. By perpetual power you want to establish theocratic state, by theocratic state you want to impose one language, one culture. We will not permit your dream turn into reality. In Tamil Nadu we will oppose it”
April 17, 2026 13:38
The Delimitation Bill is a blatant attack on cooperative federal structure: Hibi Eden, INC MP from Kerala
The Delimitation Bill is a blatant attack on cooperative federal structure, said MP Hibi Eden. He asked, PM Modi stated that no States will lose its share, but why isn’t it mentioned in the Delimitation Bill.
States that invested in education, reduced population growth, those states are losing, remarked Mr. Eden. Raising question on Delimitation, he said,” So are we saying that progress will cost power. Delimitation is not arithmetic, its power. Do not link women reservation to a process that will break the federal structure.”
lok sabha
April 17, 2026 13:12
We reached Parliament without reservation: SAD leader Harsimrat Kaur Badal
SAD leader Harsimrat Kaur Badal said, “We don’t support Delimitation Bill.” She said that democracy requires equal representation to all, whenever there is an election, BJP remembers women. She added that her party supports women reservation but govt is shifting goal post. She said that previously govt didn’t let implement women reservation. Ms. Badal remarked “We reached Parliament without reservation”, demanding that women reservation must be implemented on the present capacity of Parliament without delimitation.
lok sabha
April 17, 2026 12:50
TDP in support of women reservation Bill, Delimitation Bill: TDP MP Lavu Sri Krishna Devarayalu
TDP is supporting women reservation Bill and Delimitation Bill, says TDP MP Krishna Devarayalu. He said, “Home Minister Amit Shah clarified on 50% increase of seats for States in LS, so we won’t be losing any seats.”
TDP MP Devarayalu backs Women’s Reservation and Delimitation Bills in Lok Sabha debate
TDP MP Lavu Sri Krishna Devarayalu pledged support for the Women's Reservation and Delimitation Bills in the Lok Sabha on Friday, saying AP would not lose out.
lok sabha
April 17, 2026 12:33
PM Modi changes rules of game when he thinks that he might lose election: TMC’s Kalyan Banerjee
Kalyan Banerjee said the party will support women reservation, but he demands that it has to be implemented on the present capacity of the Parliament. He said that there is no need to link delimitation with women reservation.
He claimed BJP does not have enough women representative, saying that 12.91% MPs are women out of all of BJP MPs in LS and only 16.98% in RS. He said that women reservation should not be based on convenience, it should be constitutional, no one should bargain with women reservation.
April 17, 2026 12:24
How can Govt. move amendments to women’s quota law before notifying principal Act: Opposition in Lok Sabha
Opposition members in the Lok Sabha on Friday (April 17, 2026) questioned the government’s move to move a Bill to amend the 2023 women’s reservation law before bringing the principal Act into force.
How can Govt. move amendments to women’s quota law before notifying principal Act: Opposition in Lok Sabha
Opposition in Lok Sabha questions government’s timing on amending women's reservation law before enforcing the principal Act.
April 17, 2026 12:02
Full speech of Congress leader Shashi Tharoor
on women reservation and Delimitation Bill in Parliament
April 17, 2026 11:57
Delimitation Bill is profound shift in political power: Congress leader Shashi Tharoor
Delimitation requires profound discussion, said Congress leader Shashi Tharoor. He said the same haste government showed during demonetisation and the delimitation exercise is political demonetisation.
The 50% increase of seats formula proposed by Amit Shah is precarious political statement, it is not promised by legislature, alleged Mr. Tharoor.
Expanding the LS to 850 seats will result in a body that is unworkable. With the size of the LS increased, there is no proposal to increase the size of RS, it will create an imbalance between two house, said Mr. Tharoor.
We will support the women reservation Bill but for the Delimitation Bill let us defer, remarked Mr. Tharoor.
rajya sabha
April 17, 2026 11:41
Harivansh elected Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha unopposed
Nominated member Harivansh was elected Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha unopposed, on Friday (April 17, 2026).
Harivansh elected Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha unopposed
Harivansh elected unopposed as Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha, marking a historic first for a nominated member.
lok sabha
April 17, 2026 11:32
BJP is using women as a shield for electoral gain: DMK MP Kanimozhi
If this govt is confident that the Delimitation Bill is fare then why they are not placing the Bill in T.N. legislature, said DMK MP Kanimozhi. She said the govt didn’t consult with any Chief Minsters of any States.
She said that in 2021 govt postponed the census adding that the largest country couldn’t conduct census. “They postponed the census, now they are rewarding them with the old census. The special session called in the middle of State election in five States,” said Kanimozhi. She added that BJP came in govt in 2014 and Opposition had written to govt to pass women reservation Bill. She said Opposition parties have raised this issue in Parliament. Now the government can’t even wait for two weeks. BJP is using women as electoral rescue strategy, alleged DMK MP Kanimozhi.
lok sabha
April 17, 2026 11:17
Opposition demands clarification from govt.
“What is the necessity of notifying Women’s Reservation Act 2023 yesterday?”, asked DMK MP Kanimozhi in Lok Sabha. This Bill in disguise of women reservation, disrupts the federal structure of India, said DMK MP Kanimozhi.
April 17, 2026 11:04
Lok Sabha session on Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill and Delimitation Bill
April 17, 2026 10:57
Let the government call an all-party meeting: Congress MP K.C. Venugopal
On Women’s Reservation Bill, Congress MP K.C. Venugopal said, “Let the government call an all-party meeting. Let them withdraw this bill and call an all-party meeting. We are ready for the complete implementation of Women’s Reservation Bill within the existing 543 seats. Keep 543 as the total number and reserve one-third for women. You are not safeguarding the interests of women through this bill. If you truly want to safeguard the interests of women, this is the best way. In the name of women, you are trying to hijack democracy, which we cannot allow.”
April 17, 2026 10:00
INDIA bloc MPs to hold meeting to chalk out floor strategy over Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill
The INDIA bloc MPs are scheduled to hold a meeting at Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge’s chamber in Parliament at 10 a.m. on Friday (April 17) to chalk out the strategy for the Floor of the House.
This comes as Lok Sabha today is set to continue discussion and vote on the passage of the Constitution (One Hundred and Thirty-First Amendment) Bill, 2026, which provides 33% reservation to women in Parliament and State Assemblies, along with the Union Territories Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2026 extending it to Delhi and Jammu and Kashmir, and the Delimitation Bill, which is set to increase and redraw Lok Sabha constituencies, increasing them up to 850. - ANI
April 17, 2026 09:26
Delimitation Bill will ensure that minorities do not have political, electoral power: NC MP
National Conference member Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi said in the Lok Sabha on Thursday (April 16, 2026) that the delimitation Bill would impact the constituencies in such a way that “minorities will cease to have political and electoral power.”
He said the gerrymandering of seats done in Jammu and Kashmir through the delimitation exercise would be repeated across the country.
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April 17, 2026 08:55
Akhilesh Yadav urges government to implement women’s quota after caste census
Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav on Thursday (April 16, 2026) asked the Union government to operationalise the women’s reservation law only after completing the caste census, accusing the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of reducing “ nari” (women) to a mere “ nara” (slogan).
Akhilesh Yadav urges government to implement women’s quota after caste census
Akhilesh Yadav calls for women's reservation law implementation post-caste census to ensure fair representation for women from backward communities.
April 17, 2026 08:54
CM Stalin seeks Modi’s assurance of delimitation based on 1971 population for next 25 years
DMK president and Chief Minister M.K. Stalin on Thursday (April 16) demanded that Prime Minister Narendra Modi provide a written assurance in Parliament that Parliamentary constituencies would continue to be determined based on the 1971 population for the next 25 years.
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April 17, 2026 08:48
Women MPs welcome Women’s Reservation Bill, but against its ‘weaponisation’
Women parliamentarians across party lines on Thursday (April 16, 2026), weighing in on the debate on the Constitution (Amendment) Bill, and those bringing in delimitation in the States and Union Territories, while endorsing their party line, cited, in several instances, the positive role of the male founders and leaders of their parties in enabling the participation of women in jobs, education, and politics.
Women MPs welcome Women’s Reservation Bill, against its ‘weaponisation’
Women MPs advocate for increased female representation in lawmaking, highlighting male leaders' support for women's roles in politics.
April 17, 2026 08:47
Delimitation won’t bring down south’s share of seats, Modi, Shah tell Lok Sabha
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday (April 16, 2026) told the Lok Sabha that the Bills to amend the women’s reservation law and carry out a fresh delimitation exercise will keep current proportional representation of southern States intact while increasing the absolute number of seats for each State approximately by 50%.
Delimitation won’t bring down south’s share of seats, Modi, Shah tell Lok Sabha
Modi and Shah assure Lok Sabha that delimitation will boost southern States' seats while maintaining proportional representation.
Published - April 17, 2026 08:45 am IST
