Women’s Reservation Bill Fails in Lok Sabha: What’s Next for Gender Equality in Politics?

The Lok Sabha has rejected a crucial Constitutional Amendment Bill aimed at reserving seats for women in legislative bodies by 2029. With 298 votes in favor and 230 against, the Bill fell short of the required two-thirds majority. This amendment proposed increasing Lok Sabha seats to 850 and ensuring 33% reservation for women in state assemblies. The failure of this Bill raises significant concerns about gender representation in Indian politics and the future of women's rights in legislative processes. What does this mean for the upcoming elections and the push for gender equality in governance? Read on to find out more.

By Narendra Chaudhary Apr 17, 2026, 20:22 IST

Lok Sabha Votes Down Women’s Reservation Bill

New Delhi: A proposed Constitutional Amendment aimed at reserving seats for women in legislative bodies by 2029 was rejected in the Lok Sabha on Friday.

The voting results showed 298 members in favor of the Bill, while 230 opposed it. Out of the 528 members who participated in the vote, a two-thirds majority of 352 votes was necessary for the Bill to pass.

The amendment sought to raise the number of Lok Sabha seats from the current 543 to a maximum of 850, intending to implement the women’s reservation law ahead of the 2029 parliamentary elections, contingent upon a delimitation process based on the 2011 Census.

Additionally, the proposal included increasing seats in state and Union Territory assemblies to ensure a 33 percent reservation for women.