Modi’s Bid to Expand Parliament, Boost Women Lawmakers Fails

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s push to expand Parliament and reserve at least a third of seats for women was defeated in a vote, dealing a setback to one of his most ambitious political reforms.

The government fell short of the two-thirds majority needed to approve changes to the constitution. The vote came during a three-day special session that began Thursday, where lawmakers debated three bills to expand the lower house, redraw constituencies and ensure 33% seats for women in federal and state legislatures.