Goa, April 16 -- The Centre is set for a major legislative battle as it prepares to introduce the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, 2026, during a special three-day session of Parliament beginning Thursday. The proposed law seeks to expand the Lok Sabha from 545 to 850 seats, triggering sharp reactions from the Opposition.

The government has linked the expansion to the implementation of the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, which ensures 33 percent reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and state assemblies. However, Opposition parties have criticised the move, calling it a political strategy to push through a contentious delimitation exercise.

As a constitutional amendment under Article 368, the bill requires a special majority in both ...