Monsoon Session to Open July 20 Amid Bill Showdown
Parliament reconvenes with the government set to renew its push for constitutional amendments on delimitation and women's reservation.
Parliament's Monsoon Session is scheduled to run from July 20 to August 13, 2026, Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju announced, with President Droupadi Murmu having approved the summoning of both Houses. The session is expected to be contentious, centred on the government's renewed push for major constitutional amendments.
At the heart of the agenda are bills touching delimitation, women's reservation and the removal of office-holders — measures that require a two-thirds majority and have already divided the ruling alliance and the Opposition.
Key Highlights
- Remove duplicate information to avoid repetition.
- Consider rephrasing for more descriptive language, e.g., 'The government intends to introduce...'
- The Hindu reported the Bill proposes raising Lok Sabha seats to 850.
- A separate 130th Amendment Bill deals with removing jailed office-holders.
- Rephrase for active voice, e.g., 'The NDA is seeking a two-thirds majority by courting regional parties.'
When and What
The Economic Times and Times of India reported the session dates as July 20 to August 13, with the Centre calling an all-party meeting on July 19 ahead of the sitting. The government is expected to make another attempt to pass constitutional amendments that stalled in the previous session.
The Constitution Amendment Bills
Two amendment bills dominate the agenda. The Hindu reported that the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill proposes raising the number of Lok Sabha seats to 850 and initiating the delimitation process, with women's reservation linked to it. Separately, NDTV reported that the 130th Amendment Bill proposes the removal of a prime minister, chief minister or minister jailed for 30 days. A Joint Parliamentary Committee is expected to table its report on the 130th Amendment, according to Asianet News.
Key bills at a glance
| Bill | Reported proposal |
|---|---|
| 131st Amendment | Raise Lok Sabha seats to 850; delimitation |
| Women's reservation | Linked to delimitation |
| 130th Amendment | Remove office-holders jailed 30 days |
| Delimitation Bill 2026 | Redraw constituencies |
The Numbers Game
Because these are constitutional amendments, they require a two-thirds majority in each House. Livemint reported that while the NDA's numbers have improved since April, the coalition still depends on support or abstentions from regional parties to clear the threshold. BJP sources told The Indian Express the government would bring the amendment only after ensuring it has the numbers.
Opposition Strategy
The Congress-led INDIA bloc had united in the previous Budget Session to block a Constitution Amendment Bill that linked women's reservation to delimitation, Times of India reported. The Hindu reported the Opposition is again firming up strategy, though The Indian Express noted some Opposition leaders were unsure the bloc would hold together this time.
Who It Affects and How
States, especially the south: Delimitation based on population could shift parliamentary weight toward faster-growing northern states, a long-standing concern for southern states — an issue also examined in our report on the delimitation commission.
Women's political representation: The reservation measure would affect the share of seats set aside for women in the Lok Sabha and assemblies.
Federal balance: Constitutional amendments of this scale reshape the balance between the Centre, states and Parliament.
The Road Ahead
With an all-party meeting preceding the session and both sides counting numbers, the passage of the amendments is uncertain and will hinge on regional parties. The session's outcome could set the direction of a politically consequential debate.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the 2026 Monsoon Session?
From July 20 to August 13, 2026, as announced by the government.
What are the main bills?
The 131st Amendment (delimitation, raising Lok Sabha seats to 850), women's reservation linked to it, and the 130th Amendment on removing jailed office-holders.
Why is a two-thirds majority needed?
Constitutional amendments require a two-thirds majority in each House.
Does the NDA have the numbers?
Its numbers have improved but it still depends on regional parties' support or abstentions, per Livemint.