New Delhi: The Lok Sabha on Wednesday passed a landmark bill declaring Amaravati as Andhra Pradesh’s permanent capital, ending over a decade of uncertainty since the state’s bifurcation from Telangana in 2014.
The Andhra Pradesh Capital Development Authority (Amendment) Bill, 2026 received strong support from NDA allies and cleared its second reading with 312 votes in favor. Union Home Minister Amit Shah hailed it as “justice for Andhra’s farmers who sacrificed land for development.” The bill now heads to the Rajya Sabha for final approval.
Amaravati, located on the Krishna River, spans 33,000 acres donated by local farmers under the land pooling scheme launched by then-CM N. Chandrababu Naidu. The project stalled after the 2019 YSRCP government’s proposal for a three-capital model—Amaravati (Legislature), Visakhapatnam (Executive), Kurnool (Judiciary)—sparked legal battles and farmer protests.
Naidu, back as CM since 2024, called the bill passage “historic redemption.” “Farmers waited 12 years. Amaravati will be India’s most modern capital with world-class infrastructure,” he said during celebrations in Vijayawada.
YSRCP chief Jagan Mohan Reddy condemned the vote as “political revenge.” “Three capitals ensured balanced development. This central imposition ignores North Coast aspirations,” he posted on X. TDP leaders dismissed the criticism, pointing to court rulings favoring a single capital.
The bill allocates ₹15,000 crore central assistance for Phase-I development, including government complexes, high court, and metro connectivity. Singapore-based consultants will fast-track master planning.
Urban development expert Dr. Meera Rao welcomed the clarity. “Multiple capitals create governance chaos. Amaravati’s riverfront location and land bank make it ideal,” she noted.
Andhra farmers rejoiced. “We gave 2,000 acres trusting Naidu garu. Now our children see future here,” said Gundla Ramu, a land donor from Thulluru village.
Telangana leaders remained neutral, with CM A. Revanth Reddy extending best wishes. “Andhra’s progress benefits the region,” he said.
Amaravati’s confirmation ends AP’s capital limbo, promising economic revival while testing Naidu’s vision against regional politics.
