India's ruling National Democratic Alliance is preparing to organise protests across the country after a key constitutional amendment aimed at reserving seats for women in Parliament failed to pass in the Lok Sabha.
The proposed Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, 2026, which sought to introduce 33 per cent reservation for women and increase the strength of the House, did not achieve the required two-thirds majority during voting. Although it secured 278 votes in support and 211 against, the tally was insufficient for approval.
The outcome has intensified tensions between the NDA and the opposition INDI alliance.
Leaders from the ruling bloc have accused opposition parties of preventing what they describe as a major step towards improving women's representation in national politics.
In response, the NDA has announced a coordinated protest campaign to take place at district headquarters nationwide.
The demonstrations are expected to be spearheaded by the BJP Mahila Morcha, focusing on mobilising public support for the proposed reforms.
According to party officials, the campaign will frame the bill's rejection as evidence of the opposition's stance on women's participation in governance.
The issue is also likely to feature prominently in upcoming electoral contests, including in states such as West Bengal and Tamil Nadu.
Following the vote, several women MPs aligned with the NDA staged a demonstration within Parliament premises, expressing dissatisfaction over the bill's defeat and reiterating their commitment to pursuing reservation for women.
The episode has widened the rift between the ruling alliance and its rivals, signalling a prolonged political contest over gender representation and constitutional reform in India.