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NDA Poised to Pass Key Women's Quota Bill Amid Opposition Walkout Threat

The BJP-led NDA, with 298 MPs, holds a clear numerical advantage to pass the 131st Constitutional Amendment Bill in the Lok Sabha. The opposition INDIA bloc, comprising 235 MPs, has registered strong opposition, alleging the government is rushing the bill under the guise of women's quota. The bill's implementation is tied to a population-based delimitation exercise using the 2011 census data, aiming for enactment before the 2029 General Elections. The final vote outcome hinges on whether all opposition parties vote against, abstain, or stage a walkout, with four independent MPs' positions remaining undecided.

Key Points: Lok Sabha Vote: NDA Set to Pass 131st Constitutional Amendment

  • NDA has 298 MPs supporting the bill
  • INDIA bloc's 235 MPs oppose it
  • Bill ties women's quota to delimitation based on 2011 census
  • Implementation targeted before 2029 General Elections
  • Votes of 4 independent MPs remain undecided
3 min read

Numbers in Lok Sabha favour passing of 131st Constitutional Amendment Bill

The NDA's 298 MPs are expected to pass the women's reservation bill, while the INDIA bloc's 235 MPs oppose it, citing rushed implementation.

"The numbers game in the Lok Sabha indicates a clear advantage for the Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance - Report"

New Delhi, April 16

The numbers game in the Lok Sabha indicates a clear advantage for the Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance, which is supporting the proposed Constitution Bill, with the NDA's 298 Members of Parliament expected to vote in favour of the proposed Constitutional Bill.

On the other hand, the INDIA bloc has registered its strong opposition while alleging that the Centre was attempting to rush the proposed 131st Amendment Bill under the guise of women's quota.

The Constitutional Amendment bill's implementation is tied to a population-based revision of constituencies based on the 2011 census. It proposes delimitation--a wider political overhaul--aiming to change the size and composition of state legislative assemblies and Lok Sabha.

The government is planning to implement the women's reservation ahead of the 2029 General Elections by bringing in an amendment to operationalise the 2023 Act and a constitutional amendment to delink the delimitation process from the 2027 census.

The proposed delimitation bill's implementation is tied to a population-based revision of constituencies based on the 2011 census.

Therefore, the 238 MPs of INDIA bloc are definite about voting against the proposed Constitutional Bill.

Moreover, the votes of four MPs, including Independents, remain undecided. They may vote against or abstain during the voting.

The INDIA bloc, comprising 235 MPs, has publicly declared its opposition to the bill. However, uncertainty remains over whether all listed parties will vote against, abstain, or stage a walkout during the final vote.

The INDIA bloc and other opposition parties that are expected to vote against the bill comprise Congress (with 98 MPs), Samajwadi Party (37), Trinamool Congress (28), Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (22), Shiv Sena (UBT) (9), NCP (SP) (8), and others such as Rashtriya Janata Dal with two MPs, Communist Party of India (Marxist) (4), Aam Aadmi Party (3), Muslim League, and Jharkhand Mukti Morcha with three MPs each, CPI(ML)L and National Conference with two MPs each, along with smaller parties, including Azad Samaj Party-Kanshiram (1).

The BJP-led NDA, which is in favour of the Constitutional Bill, enjoys support from the Telugu Desam Party (with 16 MPs), Janata Dal (United) (12), Shiv Sena (7), Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) (5), YSRCP (4), and the Janata Dal (Secular), Jana Sena Party, and Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD), with two MPs each.

The Zoram People's Movement (ZPM) has one MP in the Lok Sabha.

With this tally, the passing of the Bill in the Lok Sabha is highly likely.

The Constitutional Amendment bill's implementation is tied to a population-based revision of constituencies based on the 2011 census. It proposes delimitation--a wider political overhaul--aiming to change the size and composition of state legislative assemblies and Lok Sabha.

The Centre has called a special sitting of Parliament from April 16 to 18.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Why is everything so rushed? The opposition has a point. Such a major constitutional change, tied to the 2011 census data which is now over a decade old, needs wider discussion and consensus. Feels like political maths over good policy.
R
Rohit P
Delimitation based on 2011 census will massively disadvantage southern states who controlled their population growth. This is unfair punishment. The bill may pass, but it will create a north-south rift. Very concerning.
S
Sarah B
As an observer, the parliamentary arithmetic is fascinating. But beyond the numbers, I hope the focus remains on the actual outcome – more women in Parliament. That's the real win India needs.
V
Vikram M
The INDIA bloc's opposition seems more about opposing for the sake of it. They agreed to women's reservation before. Now they're finding excuses. If not now, when will it be implemented? 2029 is already far away.
K
Kavya N
Finally! My daughter might see a Lok Sabha that better represents her. The process seems complex, but the end goal of 33% reservation for women is historic. Hope all parties eventually support it for the nation's good 🙏

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