Hyderabad, April 16: Lok Sabha approved the introduction of the 131st Constitutional Amendment Bill after a majority vote on April 16, 2026.
A total of 333 votes were cast in the House. Of these, 207 members supported the bill, while 126 opposed it. The outcome cleared the way for formal introduction of the legislation.
The vote marked the first stage in the legislative process. It now allows detailed debate on the bill in the House.
Opposition parties including Indian National Congress, Samajwadi Party, Trinamool Congress, Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, All India Majlis e Ittehadul Muslimeen and Communist Party of India Marxist opposed the bill. They raised constitutional concerns and questioned its impact on representation.
The government defended the proposal. It said the amendment is necessary for electoral and administrative reforms. Officials argued that the bill would strengthen the system.
The House will now take up extended discussions. Further stages, including voting on passage, are expected after the debate.
