The Lok Sabha is gearing up for a crucial vote on bills to expand the lower house and fast-track women's quota, but lawmakers' attendance has raised concerns in both the ruling alliance and the Opposition.
The 131st Constitution Amendment Bill requires a two-thirds majority in each House, and the Opposition needs at least 181 votes to defeat it.
Non-Congress parties such as the Samajwadi Party, Trinamool Congress, and Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam will be key in the vote, which is scheduled for Friday.
Bharatiya Janata Party leaders attributed the absences to ongoing election campaigns, but Opposition parties have expressed concerns that the absences could inadvertently help the BJP push through contentious proposals.
Only four of the 28 Trinamool Congress MPs attended the sitting on Thursday, while the Samajwadi Party ensured full attendance.
A Congress MP said some colleagues were absent due to medical reasons, but attendance is expected to improve on Friday.
