Parliament has remained formally open for a record 88 days despite both Houses being adjourned sine die on August 13. The unusual delay in ending the Monsoon Session has triggered allegations from the Congress that the Centre is preparing another attempt to pass its delimitation proposals.
Congress leader Jairam Ramesh accused the government of keeping the session alive to give Home Minister Amit Shah more time to secure the two-thirds majority required for the constitutional amendments. The Opposition had defeated the proposed legislation on April 17, with 298 votes in favour and 230 against, falling short of the required 352.
The proposed changes seek to implement 33% reservation for women by expanding Lok Sabha seats from 543 to a maximum of 850 through delimitation.
Under Article 85, the President formally prorogues Parliament. Since the session remains open, the government can reconvene it at shorter notice instead of summoning a fresh session.
However, the NDA still lacks the required numbers in both Houses. While the Congress suspects a political strategy, there is no official confirmation of another special sitting or a fresh attempt to pass the bills.