The winter session of Parliament is expected to commence in the first week of December, with the government prioritizing a Constitution amendment bill that seeks to link delimitation with 33% reservation for women in Parliament and state legislatures. Sources familiar with the discussions indicated that this window is emerging as the preferred period for the legislative agenda ahead of the 2029 general elections.
The proposed legislation aims to increase the total strength of the Lok Sabha from the current 543 seats to a maximum of 850. To address concerns, particularly from southern states, the government is exploring a formula that would increase seats by 50% across all states while maintaining their existing inter-state share based on the 1971 Census. No final decision on this framework has been reached.
The government faces a significant challenge in securing the necessary support for the bill. As a constitutional amendment, it requires the backing of at least two-thirds of the members present and voting. With three seats currently vacant, this translates to 361 votes if 540 members participate. The ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) holds 320 members and will require opposition support to pass the bill. A senior government functionary expressed confidence on Thursday that the measure could clear Parliament by a margin of 15 to 18 votes.
Legislative proceedings are expected to take place against a backdrop of political confrontation. Opposition parties have intensified their criticism regarding the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and are demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. An MP from the ruling alliance noted that the amendment bill cannot be debated or voted upon unless the House functions in an orderly manner.
The government has not prorogued the Monsoon session, which was adjourned sine die on August 13. At 94 days, this period of remaining unprorogued exceeds the previous 2008 record of 87 days. This status allows the government to convene a sitting with two days' notice, rather than the 14 days required for a fresh session.
Key facts
- The Lok Sabha seat count could increase from 543 to a maximum of 850 seats.
- The NDA currently holds 320 members in the Lok Sabha.
- A constitutional amendment requires a two-thirds majority of members present and voting.
- The proposed amendment previously failed to secure sufficient numbers during a special sitting on April 17.
- The Monsoon session has remained unprorogued for 94 days.
Why it matters
The successful passage of this bill is intended to implement 33% reservation for women in Parliament and state legislatures before the 2029 general elections. However, ongoing opposition protests over electoral roll revisions threaten to disrupt parliamentary proceedings, potentially complicating the legislative process.
Source: Hindustan Times, Times of India
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