The Centre on Thursday introduced a set of important bills in the Lok Sabha aimed at enabling the rollout of the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, also known as the Women's Reservation Bill passed in 2023.
AI Summary
AI-generated summary, reviewed by editors
The Lok Sabha introduced the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill to enable the Women's Reservation Bill, proposing to increase Lok Sabha seats from 550 to 850 with about one-third reserved for women, alongside the Delimitation Bill, 2026 for constituency redrawing.
The key proposal, the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, was introduced after a division vote. It received support from 251 MPs, while 185 voted against it. In total, 409 members participated in the voting, with no abstentions. Several opposition parties, including the DMK, AIMIM, TMC and CPI(M), demanded a division and opposed the bill's introduction, with leaders like T R Baalu and Asaduddin Owaisi voicing their concerns.
As per parliamentary procedures, introducing a Constitutional Amendment Bill requires a simple majority. However, for it to be passed, it must secure a special majority-meaning more than half of the total membership and at least two-thirds of the members present and voting in each House.
What is the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill?
The Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, 2026 proposes a major increase in the strength of the Lok Sabha. The total number of seats could rise from the current 550 to a maximum of 850, including 815 seats for states and 35 for Union Territories. Out of these, around 273 seats-about one-third-are proposed to be reserved for women.
What is the Delimitation Bill?
The Delimitation Bill, 2026, introduced by the Law Minister in the Lok Sabha, seeks to redraw the boundaries of parliamentary and assembly constituencies. It also aims to reorganise seats across states and Union Territories to reflect population changes more accurately.
LIVE UPDATES:
Apr 16, 2026, 4:13 PM IST
PM Modi's Speech Ends !
Apr 16, 2026, 4:09 PM IST
PM Modi says, “I would just like to say that this should not be weighed on the scale of politics. Whenever we move to take a decision, those who carry responsibility for such a large parts of the country also have a right to be present here. We should not stop them.
VIDEO | Addressing the Lok Sabha on the Women’s Reservation Bill, PM Modi (@narendramodi) says, “I would just like to say that this should not be weighed on the scale of politics. Whenever we move to take a decision, those who carry responsibility for such a large parts of the… pic.twitter.com/s2PqdSUh4H
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, speaking in Parliament, said:
“I would like to say just this—do not weigh this issue on the scale of politics. When we are taking such a big decision, the half of the country that shares responsibility—the women—also have the right to be here. We should not stop them.
Even regarding numbers, there has long been a view that their share should not be reduced; instead, it should be increased so that things can move forward faster. That is why the idea of increasing the total number—from the earlier figure of 535—has come up, so that no one feels their share is being taken away. This will add strength, and we have already planned and made space for it.
I would also like to say this in a lighter way—everyone has their own political reasons, and the fear of defeat can sometimes be surprising. But in our tradition, whenever something auspicious is done, people apply a ‘kala tika’ to protect it from the evil eye. I thank you for applying that ‘kala tika’. Thank you very much.”
Apr 16, 2026, 4:02 PM IST
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, speaking in the Lok Sabha, said:
“Today in the country, there are more than 6.5 lakh panchayats, and nearly 3 lakh of them are led by women. Out of around 6,700 block panchayats, more than 2,700 are under women’s leadership. Today, in over 900 urban local bodies across the country, women are in leadership roles.
When this experience becomes part of the House, it will multiply its strength many times over.”
Apr 16, 2026, 3:55 PM IST
PM Modi On Credit On This Bill.
VIDEO | PM Modi (@narendramodi), speaking in the Lok Sabha on the Women’s Reservation Bill, said, “It is very obvious that if you oppose this bill, then I will get political benefits from it. However, if we walk together, nobody will benefit from it. So, I don’t want the credit.… pic.twitter.com/U6sWwLECcV
PM Modi Slams Opposition, Says 'Credit Ka Chinta Hai Kya Ji'?
“Some people here feel that somewhere this has a political interest for Modi ji. But the truth is, if they oppose it, I may get some political benefit—but no one else will have any real challenge. You can note this down.
That is why we do not want the credit. Once this is passed, I am ready to thank everyone. I am ready to publish everyone’s photographs—take the credit if you want. Is credit the concern? Go ahead and take it. Whichever photos you want published, we will even arrange it at government expense.
I am giving you a blank cheque of credit from my side.”
Apr 16, 2026, 3:49 PM IST
PM Modi - 3 Decades of Failure
“Every time, clever tactics were used, and technical excuses were brought in. There was never the courage to bring in 33% representation for women. You don’t want to do it, and you don’t even have the courage to admit that. That is why these technical excuses keep coming—if this happens, then that; if that happens, then something else.
Now, the women of this country cannot be misled anymore. What happens in terms of numbers in the House, time will tell. But one thing is certain—these endless excuses and complications have kept this issue stuck for three decades. Enough now. Aren’t three decades more than enough delay? If nothing could be done all this time, then at least do it now.”
Apr 16, 2026, 3:44 PM IST
PM Modi Says 'Unka Haq Hai':
Let us not remain under any illusion, nor in the arrogance that we are giving something to the women of this country. No—this is their right. For decades, we have denied them this, and today we have the opportunity to atone for that and free ourselves from that wrongdoing.”
Apr 16, 2026, 3:40 PM IST
PM Modi In Lok Sabha:
“I want to say with full responsibility that this decision-making process will not discriminate against anyone and will not do injustice to anyone.”
Apr 16, 2026, 3:38 PM IST
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, speaking in the Lok Sabha, said:
“The Home Minister will explain in detail what steps we took during the census, how the COVID pandemic created obstacles, and how these challenges affected the process. All of this is known to everyone.
When we were discussing this in 2023, there was a broad consensus that it should be done quickly. Everyone was saying it should be expedited. However, in 2024, it was not possible because everything was happening in a short time frame.
Now, we have an opportunity in 2029. If we fail to do it even then, we can imagine what the situation will be. Mothers and sisters may lose trust in us and may feel that our efforts are not sincere.
Therefore, the need of the hour is that we should not delay this any further. During this period, there have been several discussions with political leaders. Through these deliberations, some solutions have emerged.
I would like to say one more thing—while sitting here, the Constitution does not give us the right to think of the country in fragments. The oath we have taken binds us to think as one nation, and it is our duty to act with that spirit.”
Apr 16, 2026, 3:26 PM IST
PM Modi on Women Reservation Bill:
Mulayam Singh had been raising this issue for a long time, and even his family members have continued to do so. You should trust the women of this country. Let these 33% women come forward and allow them to take decisions. Why are we doubting their capabilities?”
Apr 16, 2026, 3:26 PM IST
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, speaking in the Lok Sabha, said:
“In political life, those who want progress must accept that over the past 25–30 years, lakhs of women have emerged as leaders at the grassroots level. Now, their influence is not limited to just this 33% here—they can also impact your decisions there.
That is why those who oppose this today will have to pay a price in the long run. Therefore, political wisdom lies in recognising and respecting the strong political leadership that women have built over the years.”
Apr 16, 2026, 3:15 PM IST
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing the Lok Sabha, said:
“Whenever elections have taken place, those who opposed the rights of women have never been forgiven by the women of this country. But in the 2024 elections, that situation did not arise, because the bill was passed with consensus, so it did not become an issue.
In 2024, everyone stood together. Some people are present here today, and some are not. Even today, I say this—if we all move forward together, history will bear witness that this will not go in favour of any one political party, but in favour of the country’s democracy. And all of us will share the credit for it.”
Apr 16, 2026, 3:10 PM IST
PM Modi speaks in Parliament during the special three-day session on women's reservation and delimitation
PM Modi speaks in Parliament during the special three-day session on women's reservation and delimitation pic.twitter.com/q3m7Q1T6pr
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing the Lok Sabha, said:
“Whenever elections have taken place, those who opposed the rights of women have never been forgiven by the women of this country. But in the 2024 elections, that situation did not arise, because the bill was passed with consensus, so it did not become an issue.
In 2024, everyone stood together. Some people are present here today, and some are not. Even today, I say this—if we all move forward together, history will bear witness that this will not go in favour of any one political party, but in favour of the country’s democracy. And all of us will share the credit for it.”
Apr 16, 2026, 3:26 pm IST
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, speaking in the Lok Sabha, said:
“In political life, those who want progress must accept that over the past 25–30 years, lakhs of women have emerged as leaders at the grassroots level. Now, their influence is not limited to just this 33% here—they can also impact your decisions there.
That is why those who oppose this today will have to pay a price in the long run. Therefore, political wisdom lies in recognising and respecting the strong political leadership that women have built over the years.”
Apr 16, 2026, 3:26 pm IST
PM Modi on Women Reservation Bill:
Mulayam Singh had been raising this issue for a long time, and even his family members have continued to do so. You should trust the women of this country. Let these 33% women come forward and allow them to take decisions. Why are we doubting their capabilities?”
Apr 16, 2026, 3:38 pm IST
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, speaking in the Lok Sabha, said:
“The Home Minister will explain in detail what steps we took during the census, how the COVID pandemic created obstacles, and how these challenges affected the process. All of this is known to everyone.
When we were discussing this in 2023, there was a broad consensus that it should be done quickly. Everyone was saying it should be expedited. However, in 2024, it was not possible because everything was happening in a short time frame.
Now, we have an opportunity in 2029. If we fail to do it even then, we can imagine what the situation will be. Mothers and sisters may lose trust in us and may feel that our efforts are not sincere.
Therefore, the need of the hour is that we should not delay this any further. During this period, there have been several discussions with political leaders. Through these deliberations, some solutions have emerged.
I would like to say one more thing—while sitting here, the Constitution does not give us the right to think of the country in fragments. The oath we have taken binds us to think as one nation, and it is our duty to act with that spirit.”
Apr 16, 2026, 3:40 pm IST
PM Modi In Lok Sabha:
“I want to say with full responsibility that this decision-making process will not discriminate against anyone and will not do injustice to anyone.”
Apr 16, 2026, 3:44 pm IST
PM Modi Says 'Unka Haq Hai':
Let us not remain under any illusion, nor in the arrogance that we are giving something to the women of this country. No—this is their right. For decades, we have denied them this, and today we have the opportunity to atone for that and free ourselves from that wrongdoing.”
Apr 16, 2026, 3:49 pm IST
PM Modi - 3 Decades of Failure
“Every time, clever tactics were used, and technical excuses were brought in. There was never the courage to bring in 33% representation for women. You don’t want to do it, and you don’t even have the courage to admit that. That is why these technical excuses keep coming—if this happens, then that; if that happens, then something else.
Now, the women of this country cannot be misled anymore. What happens in terms of numbers in the House, time will tell. But one thing is certain—these endless excuses and complications have kept this issue stuck for three decades. Enough now. Aren’t three decades more than enough delay? If nothing could be done all this time, then at least do it now.”
Apr 16, 2026, 3:55 pm IST
PM Modi Slams Opposition, Says 'Credit Ka Chinta Hai Kya Ji'?
“Some people here feel that somewhere this has a political interest for Modi ji. But the truth is, if they oppose it, I may get some political benefit—but no one else will have any real challenge. You can note this down.
That is why we do not want the credit. Once this is passed, I am ready to thank everyone. I am ready to publish everyone’s photographs—take the credit if you want. Is credit the concern? Go ahead and take it. Whichever photos you want published, we will even arrange it at government expense.
I am giving you a blank cheque of credit from my side.”
Apr 16, 2026, 3:55 pm IST
PM Modi On Credit On This Bill.
VIDEO | PM Modi (@narendramodi), speaking in the Lok Sabha on the Women’s Reservation Bill, said, “It is very obvious that if you oppose this bill, then I will get political benefits from it. However, if we walk together, nobody will benefit from it. So, I don’t want the credit.… pic.twitter.com/U6sWwLECcV
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, speaking in the Lok Sabha, said:
“Today in the country, there are more than 6.5 lakh panchayats, and nearly 3 lakh of them are led by women. Out of around 6,700 block panchayats, more than 2,700 are under women’s leadership. Today, in over 900 urban local bodies across the country, women are in leadership roles.
When this experience becomes part of the House, it will multiply its strength many times over.”
Apr 16, 2026, 4:08 pm IST
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, speaking in Parliament, said:
“I would like to say just this—do not weigh this issue on the scale of politics. When we are taking such a big decision, the half of the country that shares responsibility—the women—also have the right to be here. We should not stop them.
Even regarding numbers, there has long been a view that their share should not be reduced; instead, it should be increased so that things can move forward faster. That is why the idea of increasing the total number—from the earlier figure of 535—has come up, so that no one feels their share is being taken away. This will add strength, and we have already planned and made space for it.
I would also like to say this in a lighter way—everyone has their own political reasons, and the fear of defeat can sometimes be surprising. But in our tradition, whenever something auspicious is done, people apply a ‘kala tika’ to protect it from the evil eye. I thank you for applying that ‘kala tika’. Thank you very much.”
Apr 16, 2026, 4:09 pm IST
PM Modi says, “I would just like to say that this should not be weighed on the scale of politics. Whenever we move to take a decision, those who carry responsibility for such a large parts of the country also have a right to be present here. We should not stop them.
VIDEO | Addressing the Lok Sabha on the Women’s Reservation Bill, PM Modi (@narendramodi) says, “I would just like to say that this should not be weighed on the scale of politics. Whenever we move to take a decision, those who carry responsibility for such a large parts of the… pic.twitter.com/s2PqdSUh4H
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