The Women’s Reservation Bill failed to pass the floor test in Parliament, falling short of the required two-thirds majority by 54 votes, with 298 votes in favour and 230 against. Following the defeat, women parliamentarians from the ruling coalition staged a protest outside the Parliament complex, accusing the opposition alliance of obstructing women’s empowerment. The opposition defended its stance, arguing that the legislation was a strategic move to implement delimitation rather than a genuine effort to grant rights to women. They pointed out that pre-printed protest posters indicated the ruling party anticipated the bill’s defeat.