Will Women’s Reservation Amendment Bill pass in Lok Sabha? voting today

NEW DELHI: The Women’s Reservation Amendment Bill and the delimitation bill were introduced in the Lok Sabha amid strong opposition protests, but uncertainty remains over their passage. Voting is scheduled for 4 pm today.

Since it is a constitutional amendment bill, it requires the support of two-thirds of the members present in the House to be passed. If opposition parties unite, it could be difficult for the government to secure approval. However, if some parties abstain, the bill may still pass. There are indications that the ruling side is making efforts in this direction.

The bills aim to implement 33% reservation for women in Parliament and state assemblies, carry out delimitation, and increase the number of seats in Union Territories. The opposition has alleged that delimitation is being introduced indirectly through the women’s reservation provision and warned that it could negatively affect southern states.

When the opposition objected to the introduction of the bill, it was put to a vote. Permission to introduce the bill was granted with 251 votes in favour and 185 against. Major opposition parties include the Congress (98 members), Samajwadi Party (37), Trinamool Congress (28), and DMK (22). DMK MPs and Anto Antony from Keralam attended the House wearing black clothes in protest.

360 votes needed to pass the bill

• Current strength of the Lok Sabha: 540 members (total 543)
• Votes required to pass the bill: 360
• NDA: 292 members
• Opposition: 232 members
• Others: 16 members

30 seats for Keralam
Meanwhile, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said that the representation of southern states in the Lok Sabha will not decrease but increase. He stated that delimitation would expand Lok Sabha seats by 50%.

According to him, the number of seats from southern states will rise from 129 to 195. Their share in the House will increase from 23.76% to 23.97%. Keralam will see its seats rise from 20 to 30 (with a slight change in share from 3.68% to 3.67%), while Tamil Nadu will increase from 39 to 59 seats (7.18% to 7.23%).

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that if the bill is passed unanimously, it would be a major boost for democracy. He added that even if it is opposed, it could bring political advantage to him, but he does not seek personal credit and is willing to share recognition with all parties.