Parliament's Special Session Concludes Amid Political Tensions

The recent Special Session of Parliament concluded with significant political tensions following the defeat of a crucial women's reservation bill. The session, which saw high productivity, ended with the ruling NDA accusing the Opposition INDIA bloc of obstructing vital reforms. As protests are planned nationwide, the BJP aims to highlight the issue in upcoming elections, particularly in West Bengal and Tamil Nadu. This political confrontation raises questions about women's representation in legislative bodies and the implications for future governance.

By Narendra Chaudhary Apr 18, 2026, 12:38 IST

End of Special Session in Parliament

A file image of proceedings in the Lok Sabha during the Special session of Parliament. (Photo:PTI)

New Delhi, Apr 18: The Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha sessions were adjourned indefinitely shortly after they commenced on Saturday, marking the conclusion of the Parliament's Special Session.

Chairman CP Radhakrishnan noted that the Rajya Sabha operated for a total of 157 hours and 40 minutes, achieving an impressive productivity rate of approximately 110% during this session.

During the three-day special sitting from April 16 to 18, the House elected Harivansh as the Deputy Chairman.

Chairman Radhakrishnan mentioned that the session allowed for the raising of 117 questions, 446 submissions during zero hour, and 207 special mentions.

In the Lok Sabha, Speaker Om Birla delivered his closing remarks as the House convened at 11 am, after which he adjourned the session indefinitely.

This session concluded a day after a proposed constitutional amendment bill aimed at providing 33% reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and state assemblies by 2029 was defeated. The bill sought to increase the number of seats in the Lower House from 543 to 850.

The bill did not achieve the necessary two-thirds majority, leading to heightened political tensions between the ruling NDA and the Opposition INDIA bloc.

With 278 votes in favor and 211 against, the bill fell short of the required threshold for passage.

Following this, the Centre opted not to proceed with two related bills on delimitation, indicating that the three bills should be considered separately.

In response, Opposition floor leaders convened in the chamber of Congress National President and Rajya Sabha Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge within the Parliament Complex.

The bill's defeat has intensified political confrontations, with the NDA accusing the INDIA bloc of obstructing a significant reform aimed at enhancing women's representation in legislative bodies.

Conversely, the Opposition is contesting the linkage of the Women's Reservation Bill to the expansion of Parliament based on the 2011 Census and the delimitation exercise.

The NDA plans to initiate a nationwide protest campaign on Saturday against the INDIA bloc regarding this issue.

Party leaders indicated that protests will be organized at district headquarters nationwide, spearheaded by the BJP's women's wing, the BJP Mahila Morcha.

This campaign aims to underscore what the NDA characterizes as an "anti-women agenda" of the Opposition while rallying public support around the issue.

The BJP is also expected to prominently feature this matter in the upcoming elections, especially in West Bengal and Tamil Nadu.

With inputs from agencies