Women's quota bill fails in India

The defeat of the Constitution (131st) Amendment Bill followed a spirited debate over the 'delimitation' process, which critics claim would unfairly benefit the ruling NDA coalition.

Leaders of the INDIA bloc, including Rahul Gandhi and MK Stalin, celebrated the bill's failure as a victory for federalism and electoral fairness.

While the government argued the quota was essential for gender equity, the opposition insisted on a caste census as a prerequisite for any seat redistribution.

The legislative stalemate highlights deepening political divisions ahead of upcoming state and national elections.