Constitution Amendment bill to tweak women quota fails Lok Sabha test as NDA falls short of 2/3rd majority

The Constitution Amendment Bill to tweak women quota law was defeated in Lok Sabha after division of votes, having not managed a two-third majority of 360 votes in its favour.

The NDA government managed 298 votes in support of the Bill whereas the Opposition pooled in 230 votes against the Bill.

"The motion has not been passed, as it did not secure a majority of the total membership of the House and at least a two-thirds majority of the members present and voting. Therefore, it is not possible to proceed further with this Constitutional Amendment Bill," Speaker Om Birla said.

The government will not move ahead with Delimitation Bill and another Bill to amend women quota in UTs after defeat of Constitution Amendment Bill.

Reacting to it, Union minister Kiren Rijiju said the Opposition lost historic opportunity to honour women. "Modi govt's struggle to give rights to women will continue," Rijiju added.

LoP Rahul Gandhi, however, said outside the House, "We have defeated this attack on the Constitution. We have clearly said that this is not a women's reservation bill, but it is a way to change India's political structure. I want to tell PM that if he wants women's reservation, he should bring 2023 law and entire opposition will support it."

Lok Sabha was adjourned for the day; to meet again on Saturday.