Guwahati, April 17 -- The Lok Sabha on Friday failed to pass the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, 2026, which sought to provide 33% reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and state Assemblies, after a prolonged and contentious two-day debate.

The Bill secured 298 votes in favour and 230 against, falling short of the two-thirds majority required for a constitutional amendment. With the effective strength of the House at 540, at least 360 votes were needed for passage at full strength.

Following the outcome, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju said two related legislations - the Delimitation Bill and the Union Territories Laws (Amendment) Bill, would not be taken up, as they were linked to the proposed amendment.

The debate s...