The Lok Sabha has rejected the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, 2026, dealing a major blow to the Centre’s plan to expand parliamentary seats and carry out delimitation.

The Bill aimed to increase the strength of the Lok Sabha and overhaul the framework for delimitation, along with facilitating the implementation of women’s reservation. However, it failed to secure the required two-thirds majority, with 298 MPs voting in favour and 230 against—falling short of the constitutional requirement.

Following the setback, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju withdrew the Delimitation Bill, 2026 and the Union Territories Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2026, both of which formed part of the broader reform exercise.

The proposed amendment sought to significantly raise the number of Lok Sabha seats from 543 to nearly 850, based on the 2011 Census. It also proposed changes to allow delimitation before the next Census and to fast-track the rollout of one-third reservation for women in legislatures.

The proposals, however, faced sharp criticism. Opponents argued that relying on 2011 Census data could adversely affect representation of southern and north-eastern states. Concerns were also raised about proceeding with delimitation while the next Census is still pending.

With the Bill’s rejection, the government’s plan to push delimitation alongside the implementation of women’s reservation in Parliament and state assemblies has effectively been put on hold.