New Delhi: The Central Government has proposed a three-day Special Session of Parliament from August 16 to 18 to take up the Delimitation Bill, a key piece of legislation aimed at redrawing parliamentary constituencies and expanding the strength of the Lok Sabha. The proposal is expected to be placed before political parties for consultations, but the move is likely to face stiff resistance from the Opposition.
According to government sources, the Special Session is also expected to consider the Women’s Reservation Bill-related legislative changes, with the Centre keen to secure passage of both measures.
The Delimitation Bill, 2026, along with the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, was first introduced in Parliament in April this year. The proposal seeks to increase the strength of the Lok Sabha from 543 to 850 seats, implement one-third reservation for women, and redraw the allocation of parliamentary seats among states. However, the constitutional amendment failed to secure the required two-thirds majority in the Lok Sabha, delaying the reform package.
In an effort to build political consensus, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju met Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi in Parliament on Wednesday. The nearly 50-minute meeting was also attended by senior Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, during which the government’s proposal and the Opposition’s position on the Delimitation Bill were discussed.
The proposed legislation remains politically sensitive, particularly among several southern states, where concerns have been raised over the possible redistribution of Lok Sabha seats following delimitation. Opposition parties have yet to extend support, making the passage of the constitutional amendment a significant challenge for the government.
If approved, the Special Session will focus on one of the most significant electoral reforms in recent decades, with implications for parliamentary representation, women’s reservation, and the future political balance among states.
