Setback for govt: Lok Sabha rejects Women’s Reservation Bill, falls short of two-thirds majority

The Women’s Reservation Bill has failed to pass in the Lok Sabha after falling short of the required two-thirds majority needed for a Constitutional amendment. The Bill, which aimed to provide 33% reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and state assemblies while also proposing delimitation changes, was defeated with 298 votes in favour and 230 against. The outcome marks a significant setback for the government, with opposition parties raising concerns over the timing, structure, and provisions of the legislation, particularly around delimitation without a fresh Census.