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Amaravati Gets Legal Nod as Andhra's Sole Capital in Historic RS Vote

The Rajya Sabha passed the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Bill, 2026, granting statutory recognition to Amaravati as the state's sole and permanent capital. The bill, passed by a voice vote, amends the 2014 Act to replace the provision for "a new capital" with the specific declaration of "Amaravati." The move concludes a prolonged political struggle and protests by farmers who had donated land for the capital project. The legislation received support from the NDA alliance, Congress, and other parties, while facing opposition only from the YSR Congress Party.

Key Points: Rajya Sabha Passes Bill Making Amaravati Andhra's Permanent Capital

  • Bill passed by voice vote in Rajya Sabha
  • Amends 2014 Reorganisation Act
  • Ends debate on three-capital plan
  • Supported by NDA and Congress
3 min read

RS passes Bill for statutory recognition to Amaravati as Andhra Pradesh capital

The Rajya Sabha passes a bill granting statutory recognition to Amaravati as the sole capital of Andhra Pradesh, ending a long political and legal battle.

"Amaravati shall be the new capital - Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act amendment"

New Delhi, April 2

The Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Bill, 2026 to grant statutory recognition to Amaravati as the sole and permanent capital of Andhra Pradesh was passed by Rajya Sabha on Wednesday.

Rajya Sabha Chairman, C.P. Radhakrishnan announced the passing of the Bill by a voice vote amid thumping of desks by the members. On behalf of the House and the people of the entire country, he congratulated Andhra Pradesh.

Members of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) raised slogans, hailing the passing of the Bill.

Replying to the debate, Minister of State for Home Affairs, Nityanand Rai, congratulated Andhra Pradesh. He termed it a historic occasion and wished that Andhra Pradesh would march ahead on the path of development and play its role in fulfilling the vision of a 'Viksit Bharat'.

As many as 17 MPs from 11 parties participated in the nearly three-hour-long debate. Ten parties including Congress supported the Bill while YSR Congress Party opposed the Bill on the ground that it failed to address the concerns of farmers who had given their lands for the state capital.

Andhra Pradesh minister and TDP general secretary Nara Lokesh, some TDP members of the Lok Sabha and TDP leaders were present in the gallery to watch the debate.

The Bill, which was passed by Lok Sabha on Wednesday, amended the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2014, affirming Amaravati as the capital of Andhra Pradesh.

The amendment to Section 5 of the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2014 replaces the earlier provision of "a new capital" with "Amaravati shall be the new capital".

The Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly on March 28 had unanimously passed a resolution, enabling the Bill's introduction in Parliament.

Members of TDP, BJP and Jana Sena, which are partners in the NDA government in Andhra Pradesh, strongly supported the Bill. Congress, Samajwadi Party, Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) and other parties also supported the Bill.

Participating in the debate, Civil Aviation Minister, K. Ram Mohan Naidu, recalled that farmers and women of Amaravati fought relentlessly for more than 1,600 days to oppose the move of then YSRCP government to have three capitals.

He alleged that the then government used state machinery to suppress the protestors.

BJP MP, K. Laxman said that 29,000 farmers gave 33,000 acres of land for capital Amaravati. He stated that a 'viksit' capital will make Andhra Pradesh 'viksit' and help fulfil the vision of 'Viksit Bharat.'

Congress MP Renuka Chowdhury from Telangana, who initiated the debate, extended full support to the Bill on behalf of the party. She termed it a victory of farmers.

The former union minister alleged that the Centre has failed to fulfil the commitments made at the time of bifurcation of the state.

BRS MP Ravichandra from Telangana demanded that five villages in Bhadrachalam be returned to Telangana

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
While I'm glad there's clarity now, I hope the government ensures proper rehabilitation and support for any farmers who are still facing issues. A 'Viksit Bharat' vision must include justice for all stakeholders.
N
Nikhil C
Good move for stability. The three-capital idea was confusing and wasteful. Now the state can focus all its resources on developing Amaravati properly. Hope to see it become a world-class capital soon.
P
Priya S
It's heartening to see cross-party support on this. When MPs from Telangana like Renuka Chowdhury support it, it shows a spirit of cooperation for Andhra's future. Development should be above politics.
R
Rahul R
With due respect, the article mentions the YSRCP's opposition about farmers' concerns. I hope this statutory recognition is followed by concrete plans to address any pending grievances of those who gave their land. A law is only as good as its implementation.
K
Karthik V
Historic day for our state! Amaravati has so much potential. Now that the political uncertainty is over, investors will feel more confident. Let's build a capital that makes every Indian proud. 🇮🇳

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