The number of seats in the assemblies of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana will not be enhanced till 2026, the Lok Sabha was informed today.
Minister of state for Home Hansraj Gangaram Ahir said section 26(1) of the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2014 states that "Subject to the provisions contained in article 170 of the Constitution and without prejudice to section 15 of this Act, the number of seats in the legislative assembly of the successor states of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana shall be increased from 175 and 119 to 225 and 153, respectively,?.".
Ahir said this issue was taken up with the ministry of law and justice, who had sought the opinion of the attorney general (AG).
"He (AG) had opined that as per Article 170(3) of the Constitution, the total number of seats in the assembly of each state shall not be readjusted till after the first census is published post the year 2026.
"Therefore, unless and until Article 170 is amended to bring up in line with Section 26, the increase in the number of seats cannot be given effect," he said replying to a written question.
Telangana came into existence on June 2, 2014 after bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh.
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