Trinamool rebellion revives govt. hopes on Delimitation Bill
The Delimitation Bill touches on constitutional amendment procedures (special majority requirements), the federal balance between states with differing population growth rates, and the political dynamics of coalition/opposition management in Parliament. The bill's fate and the special majority requirement are textbook GS II topics. The TMC rebellion angle also illustrates how anti-defection law and parliamentary arithmetic interact.
Key facts
- Bill is Constitution (One Hundred and Thirty First Amendment) Bill, 2026 — requires two-thirds majority for passage.
- The Bill was defeated in Parliament in April (session not specified) as it fell short of the required special majority.
- Seeks to redraw electoral constituency boundaries based on the 2011 Census data.
- Government now eyes the Monsoon Session (likely starting mid-July) as the next opportunity for passage.
- Trinamool Congress internal rebellion has increased prospects of the bill crossing the two-thirds threshold.
- Delimitation is the process of fixing/revising boundaries of Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assembly constituencies.
The rebellion in the Trinamool Congress ranks has revived talk that the government is likely to bring the Delimitation Bill as early as the Monsoon Session, likely to start mid-July. The Constitution (One Hundred and Thirty First Amendment) Bill, 2026, or the Delimitation Bill, which sought to redraw electoral boundaries based on the 2011 census, was defeated in Parliament in April as it fell short of the two-thirds majority required for its passage.
Concepts to know
The process of redrawing the boundaries of parliamentary and assembly constituencies, carried out by the Delimitation Commission under the Delimitation Act. The last delimitation was based on the 2001 census; the next is pending post-2021 census.
Article 368 confers on Parliament the power to amend the Constitution, but the Supreme Court has ruled this power is not absolute — it cannot be used to abrogate the Basic Structure.
A constitutional amendment bill that proposes to redraw electoral boundaries based on the 2011 Census; requires passage by a special majority in both Houses of Parliament.
A statutory body constituted by the President of India under the Delimitation Commission Act to redraw electoral constituency boundaries. Its orders have the force of law and cannot be challenged in any court.
For constitutional amendments under Article 368, a bill must be passed by a two-thirds majority of members present and voting, which must also constitute a majority of the total membership of that House. It is stricter than a simple majority.
Colloquial term for the Tenth Schedule provisions that disqualify legislators who defect from their party; designed to ensure party discipline and government stability.
Linked previous-year questions
The UPSC questions this story connects to.
Which reference to the Delimitation Commission, consider the following statements: 1. The orders of the Delimitation Commission cannot be challenged in a Court of Law. 2. When the orders of the Delimitation Commission are laid before the Lok Sabha or State Legislative Assembly, they cannot effect any modifications in the orders. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
- a.1 only
- b.2 only
- c.Both 1 and 2 ✓
- d.Neither 1 nor 2
Polity · UPSC 2012With reference to the proposals of Cripps Mission, consider the following statements: 1. The Constituent Assembly would have members nominated by the Provincial Assemblies as well as the Princely States. 2. Any Province, which is not prepared to accept the new Constitution would have the right to sign a separate agreement with Britain regarding its future status. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
- a.1 only
- b.2 only ✓
- c.Both 1 and 2
- d.Neither 1 nor 2
History · UPSC 2022What is the correct sequence of the following events? 1. The August offer 2. The I.N.A trial 3. The Quit India Movement 4. The Royal Indian Naval Ratings' Revolt. Select the correct answer using the codes given below: Codes: (a) 1, 3, 2, 4 (b) 3, 1, 2, 4 (c) 1, 3, 4, 2 (d) 3, 1, 4, 2
- a.1, 3, 2, 4 ✓
- b.3, 1, 2, 4
- c.1, 3, 4, 2
- d.3, 1, 4, 2
History · UPSC 1998Consider the following statements regarding 'Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam': 1. Provisions will come into effect from the 18th Lok Sabha. 2. This will be in force for 15 years after becoming an Act. 3. There are provisions for the reservation of seats for Scheduled Castes Women within the quota reserved for the Scheduled Castes. Which of the statements given above are correct? (a) 1, 2 and 3 (b) 1 and 2 only (c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1 and 3 only
- a.1, 2 and 3
- b.1 and 2 only
- c.2 and 3 only ✓
- d.1 and 3 only
Polity · UPSC 2024Consider the following events: 1. Indigo Revolt 2. Santhal Rebellion 3. Deccan Riot 4. Mutiny of the Sepoys The correct chronological sequence of these events is: (a) 4, 2, 1, 3 (b) 4, 2, 3, 1 (c) 2, 4, 3, 1 (d) 2, 4, 1, 3
- a.4, 2, 1, 3
- b.4, 2, 3, 1
- c.2, 4, 3, 1
- d.2, 4, 1, 3 ✓
History · UPSC 1999A deadlock between the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha calls for a joint sitting of the Parliament during the passage of 1. Ordinary Legislation 2. Money Bill 3. Constitution Amendment Bill Select the correct answer using the codes given below: (a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3
- a.1 only ✓
- b.2 and 3 only
- c.1 and 3 only
- d.1, 2 and 3
Polity · UPSC 2012
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