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Parliament Approves Amaravati as Andhra Pradesh's Sole Capital, Ending Decade-Long Debate

Parliament has passed the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Bill, 2026, legally designating Amaravati as the state's sole and permanent capital. The bill amends the 2014 Act to end years of political flip-flops on the capital issue following the state's bifurcation. During the debate, opposition was raised over farmer compensation, while the government countered by highlighting past administrative confusion. The bill's passage is seen as a major victory for the state's ruling alliance and will pave the way for large-scale infrastructure development in Amaravati.

Key Points: Amaravati Declared Sole Capital of Andhra Pradesh by Parliament

  • Ends years of capital uncertainty
  • Provides statutory backing to Amaravati
  • Counters previous three-capital model
  • Seeks to facilitate focused development
2 min read

Parliament clears Bill declaring Amaravati Andhra Pradesh's sole capital (Ld)

Parliament passes bill making Amaravati the permanent capital of Andhra Pradesh, ending years of uncertainty after the state's 2014 bifurcation.

"We are not able to tell where the capital of the State is if someone asks. - Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu"

New Delhi, April 2

Parliament on Thursday gave its final approval to the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Bill, 2026, officially designating Amaravati as the sole and permanent capital of Andhra Pradesh. The Rajya Sabha passed the bill through a voice vote, a day after the Lok Sabha cleared it.

The legislation amends the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2014, to provide statutory backing to Amaravati as the state's only capital with effect from June 2, 2024. The bill seeks to end years of uncertainty and political flip-flops over the capital issue that arose after the 2014 bifurcation of the erstwhile united Andhra Pradesh. It effectively rules out any future attempts to alter the capital's status or revive the previous three-capital model.

Vice President and Rajya Sabha Chairman C.P. Radhakrishnan congratulated the people of Andhra Pradesh on the historic development, describing it as a step that brings long-awaited administrative clarity and paves the way for focused development and good governance in the greenfield capital city.

During the debate in the Rajya Sabha, Yerram Venkata Subba Reddy of the YSR Congress Party opposed the bill in its present form. He argued that it fails to address the hardships faced by thousands of farmers who surrendered their land for Amaravati but have yet to receive adequate compensation.

He questioned the definition of "capital" and the very basis on which the bill seeks to declare Amaravati as the permanent capital.

Union Minister of Civil Aviation Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu strongly countered the opposition. He pointed out that different parties had taken varying stands on the capital issue over the years.

"If a person at the helm of state affairs makes irresponsible statements, what is going to be the future of the State?" he asked.

Naidu highlighted the confusion created in the past: "We are not able to tell where the capital of the State is if someone asks." He accused the previous government of being irresponsible on the matter and asserted that the NDA government fully supports the rebuilding of Amaravati.

He saluted the "hard work and sacrifice of farmers and women of Andhra Pradesh" who stood firm in their demand for a single, viable capital.

The passage of the bill is being seen as a major political and developmental victory for the TDP-led NDA government in Andhra Pradesh. Once it receives presidential assent, it will bring legal finality to the capital question and facilitate large-scale infrastructure development in Amaravati.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
While the clarity is welcome, the opposition MP raised a valid point. What about the farmers who gave up their land? The bill should have included a concrete rehabilitation and compensation package. Development shouldn't come at the cost of people's livelihoods.
V
Vikram M
As someone from Andhra, this is a huge relief. For years, we couldn't even confidently tell people where our capital was! This flip-flop hurt investment and planning. Jai Amaravati! Hope to see it become a world-class city now.
P
Priya S
Good step, but the process felt rushed. A voice vote in Rajya Sabha? Such a significant bill deserved a proper, detailed discussion and a recorded vote. Hope the government now walks the talk on infrastructure and doesn't forget the promises made to the people.
R
Rohit P
The Minister is right. The previous government created so much uncertainty with the three-capital idea. It was pure politics. Amaravati has the master plan and the land. Let's build it with full force now. Time for Andhra to shine!
M
Michael C
Interesting to see this from a policy perspective. Providing statutory backing ends legal ambiguity and should boost investor confidence. The key will be execution and ensuring inclusive growth for all regions of the state, not just the capital area.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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