Opposition Blocks Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill on Women’s Reservation – Budget Session Adjourns Sine Die

Overview The extended Budget session of Parliament adjourned sine die on Saturday, 18 April 2026 after the opposition successfully prevented the passage of the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill . The bill sought to tie women’s reservation with the upcoming delimitation exercise , a move opposed by the Congress and its allies. Key Developments The Lok Sabha failed to pass the amendment after intense debate. Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju accused the opposition of an "anti‑women mindset" and warned of the "wrath" of women voters. The amendment aimed to formalise the 33% reservation target for women, a long‑standing demand of gender‑rights groups. With the bill blocked, the Budget session concluded without the reservation measure, leaving the issue unresolved. Important Facts The proposed amendment was the 131st amendment to the Constitution, reflecting the government's intent to embed gender parity in the electoral framework. By linking reservation to delimitation, the bill intended to ensure that any increase in reserved seats would be based on the latest demographic data, avoiding arbitrary seat allocation. The opposition argued that the move could disrupt the ongoing delimitation process and potentially affect the political balance in the Lok Sabha . UPSC Relevance This episode touches upon several UPSC syllabus areas: Constitutional Law (the amendment process and the role of Parliament), Electoral Reforms (delimitation and reservation policies), and Gender Equality (the push for 33% women’s representation). Aspirants should note the procedural aspects of passing a constitutional amendment (requiring a two‑thirds majority in both houses) and the political dynamics between the ruling party and opposition in a parliamentary democracy. Way Forward For the reservation measure to materialise, the government will need to secure broader consensus in the Lok Sabha and possibly address opposition concerns about delimitation. Continued advocacy by women’s groups and pressure from civil society may shape future legislative attempts. Monitoring the next Budget session and any re‑introduction of the amendment will be crucial for understanding the evolving policy landscape.