Narendra Modi to speak after Lok Sabha setback on key constitutional amendment
April 18, 2026: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to address the nation at 8:30 PM tonight, with heightened anticipation over the focus of his speech. The announcement comes in the wake of a major political development, as the government faced an unexpected setback in Parliament following the defeat of a key constitutional amendment.
The 131st Constitutional Amendment Bill, which aimed to introduce 33% reservation for women in Parliament and state assemblies from 2029, failed to secure the required two-thirds majority in the Lok Sabha. While 298 members voted in favour and 230 against, the bill fell short of the 352 votes needed for passage. It also proposed expanding the strength of the Lok Sabha from 543 to 816 seats through a delimitation exercise based on the 2011 Census.
The defeat marks the first instance of a bill introduced under Modi’s government failing in the Lok Sabha, making it a significant political moment. Senior leaders including Rajnath Singh, Amit Shah, and Rahul Gandhi were present during the vote.