Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Tuesday, 28 April led a demonstration of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) legislators inside the Delhi Assembly complex, demanding implementation of the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam (Women's Reservation Act) ahead of a one-day special session convened to discuss the bill's failure in Parliament.

What Happened at the Assembly

BJP MLAs, joined by Chief Minister Gupta, staged the protest within the Assembly premises before the special sitting commenced. The ruling party pushed for a formal resolution under Rule 90, moved by the Chief Minister, backing implementation of the constitutional amendment. The session's agenda also included obituary references and tabling of finance and appropriation accounts.

Gupta raised sharp objections over the opposition's stance, with the ruling side criticising opposition parties for what it described as a failure to support women's political representation. The House was also expected to consider a resolution specifically criticising opposition parties over the bill's defeat in the Lok Sabha.

Why the Bill Failed in Parliament

The Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, 2026, which sought to enable women's reservation after delimitation of constituencies, failed to clear a crucial parliamentary hurdle after the Centre was unable to secure the required two-thirds majority in the Lok Sabha. The bill received 298 votes in favour and 230 against — falling short of the threshold needed for passage.

Following the bill's defeat, the Centre decided not to proceed with related votes on delimitation and Lok Sabha seat expansion, stating that the proposals were interconnected. Notably, this marks a significant setback for a legislation that had been a stated priority of the ruling dispensation.

Gupta's Meeting with Lieutenant Governor

A day before the special session, on Monday, 27 April, Chief Minister Gupta met Lieutenant Governor T.S. Sandhu at the Delhi Lieutenant Governor's residence, according to an official statement from Raj Niwas. The meeting is understood to have been held in the context of the upcoming special Assembly session.

Broader Context and What's Next

The Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, which proposes reservation of seats for women in Parliament and state legislatures, has remained a politically charged issue across party lines. The Delhi Assembly's special session signals the BJP's intent to keep the issue in public focus following the parliamentary setback. Whether the Centre revisits the legislation — or links it to a fresh delimitation exercise — will be closely watched in the months ahead.