New Delhi, April 16 (IANS) The introduction of the Constitution (One Hundred and Thirty-First Amendment) Bill, 2026, aimed at enabling women’s reservation and facilitating delimitation, was approved in the Lok Sabha on Thursday following a division of votes in the House. The development came after the Opposition pressed for a recorded vote, leading to a formal division process.

Union Law Minister Arjun Meghwal rose in the House to table the Bill, marking a key step in the legislative process. The introduction follows an earlier round of voting in which Members of Parliament supported bringing the Bill forward for discussion.

The Constitution (One Hundred and Thirty-First Amendment) Bill, 2026, and the Delimitation Bill 2026 and Union Territories Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2026, were introduced.

Earlier, the Lok Sabha had voted in favour of introducing the Constitution (One Hundred and Thirty-First Amendment) Bill, 2026, after the Opposition demanded a division.

Following the use of vote slips, the distribution stood at 251 in support and 185 against, announced Speaker Om Birla, adding that it is subject to change.

The Lok Sabha typically relies on voice voting to pass motions; however, when the outcome is contested, a “division” is conducted. In such cases, the Automatic Vote Recorder system is used to register votes under “Ayes”, “Noes”, and “Abstain”.

Subsequently, vote slips were also utilised during the proceedings after the division, with a total of 333 members casting their votes and no abstentions recorded in that round.

“If any member wishes to change the vote, they may call for voting through slips,” the Lok Sabha Secretary General had earlier informed the House.

The Opposition had insisted on a division as the House took up voting on the introduction of the Women’s Reservation Bill. The motion required a simple majority to be carried, and the voting process was conducted accordingly amid heightened political engagement.

Lok Sabha Secretary General Utpal Singh briefed the members on the functioning of the automatic vote recording system, reiterating that while voice votes are the norm, a division is invoked when demanded by members.

“The votes will not be registered if the votes are kept pressed before the first gong or if they aren’t pressed simultaneously till the second gong. Members can check their vote on the individual results board,” Singh said.

“If any member wishes to change the vote, they may call for voting through slips,” he added.

–IASN

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