Parliament Defeats Women's Reservation Bill: A Major Setback

The Constitution Amendment Bill proposing women's reservation in legislatures by 2029 and increasing Lok Sabha seats was defeated in parliament. The ruling NDA leaders and their allies met to discuss coordination after failing to secure the required two-thirds majority for the Bill's approval.

The Parliament witnessed a significant setback as the Constitution Amendment Bill, aimed at introducing reservation for women in legislatures by 2029 and increasing Lok Sabha seats, was defeated. Despite majority support, the Bill fell short of the required two-thirds votes.

Union Ministers JP Nadda, Dharmendra Pradhan, and Arjun Ram Meghwal, alongside other NDA allies, gathered post the defeat. The meeting, held in the Parliament House complex, focused on coordination amidst this legislative hurdle.

The proposed Bill suggested increasing Lok Sabha seats to 850 to facilitate women's reservation following a delimitation exercise. While 298 members supported the Bill, 230 voted against, marking a decisive moment in parliamentary proceedings for women's legislative participation.

(With inputs from agencies.)