Special Parliament Session Likely This Month on Delimitation, Women's Quota Billsਹੱਦਬੰਦੀ ਤੇ ਮਹਿਲਾ ਰਾਖਵੇਂਕਰਨ ਬਿੱਲਾਂ ਲਈ ਇਸ ਮਹੀਨੇ ਸੰਸਦ ਦਾ ਵਿਸ਼ੇਸ਼ ਇਜਲਾਸ ਸੰਭਵ

The Centre is likely to call a special session of Parliament later this month to push constitutional amendment bills on delimitation and women's reservation once again, NDTV and India Today reported on Friday, October 16, citing government sources. There has been no official announcement. Sources say the government believes it now has the numbers that it lacked in April, when the same bill fell short in the Lok Sabha.

What is the government planning?

Sources told both outlets that the government is confident of its strength in the House and is preparing to bring back the delimitation and women's quota legislation. NDTV reported that a week's notice may be given before the session is convened, and that dates will be fixed around the 12th BRICS Parliamentary Forum, scheduled at Samvidhan Sadan on October 26 and 27. India Today noted that the Monsoon Session, which ended on August 13, has been adjourned sine die but not prorogued, which leaves room for a special sitting without a fresh summons for a new session.

Why did the earlier attempt fail?

The Modi government suffered a setback on April 17, during the Budget Session, when a Constitution amendment bill linked to delimitation and implementation of women's reservation in the Lok Sabha and state assemblies was defeated in the Lower House. The bills had been introduced a day earlier by Arjun Ram Meghwal. NDTV reported that efforts to bring them back during the Monsoon Session were overtaken by Opposition protests over the NEET paper leak and the crackdown on student protests.

Does the government have the numbers?

A Constitution amendment needs a two-thirds majority of members present and voting in both Houses. The Lok Sabha has 540 members, and the NDA has a majority but falls short of the roughly 360 seats that two-thirds would require, India Today reported. The government's position has improved since the last session, as 20 Trinamool Congress MPs and six Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs have switched to the ruling side, according to both reports.

Sources said the Centre is also in talks with the DMK, which has 22 MPs and has been one of the fiercest opponents of delimitation. The party broke from the INDIA bloc after the Tamil Nadu elections. The government is also reaching out to smaller parties, and expects support from the NCP (SP), which has eight MPs, if it is assured that a 50 per cent across-the-board increase in seats will be part of the bill, NDTV reported. NCP (SP) leader Supriya Sule had earlier indicated willingness to talk if that 50 per cent was guaranteed.

Why is delimitation contentious?

Delimitation means redrawing constituency boundaries and the number of seats. India Today's report noted that southern states have voiced concern because they have done better than many northern states at controlling population growth. In a video interview with India Today, Meghwal said delimitation in 2026 is mandated by the Constitution, pointing to the freeze that was extended until 2026.

What happens next?

Nothing is formally scheduled. The government has not announced dates, and the Opposition is already protesting over the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls and Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. If the session is called, the bills would need to clear both Houses with the special majority.

Has a special Parliament session been officially announced?

No. The reports rely on government sources, who say a session is likely later this month, possibly with a week's notice. No dates have been announced.

Which bills would be taken up?

The constitutional amendment bills on delimitation and the implementation of women's reservation in the Lok Sabha and state assemblies, which were defeated in the Lok Sabha on April 17.

How many votes does the government need?

A two-thirds majority of members present and voting. In a House of 540, India Today puts the full two-thirds figure at around 360 seats, which the NDA does not have on its own.