Parliament Approves Historic Bill Establishing Amaravati as Andhra Pradesh's Permanent Capital
In a landmark legislative move, the Parliament of India on Thursday passed the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill, 2026, with the Rajya Sabha granting its approval. This pivotal legislation confers statutory status to Amaravati, officially designating it as the permanent and sole capital of Andhra Pradesh. The bill was passed by a voice vote, marking a significant culmination of a decade-long political and administrative journey for the state.
A Historic Moment and a Homecoming
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu described the passage as a "historic and defining moment for the state." In a post on social media platform X, Naidu emphasized that the unanimous approval in both Houses of Parliament represents the collective will and aspirations of the people of Andhra Pradesh resonating at the national level. His son and state IT Minister, Nara Lokesh, who was present in the visitor's gallery during the debate, termed the development a "homecoming" for the people. Lokesh stated that this legal recognition will act as a massive catalyst, spurring private sector investment and accelerating development in the new capital.
Unanimous Support Amidst Political Walkout
The bill received support from all political parties present in the Rajya Sabha, with the notable exception of the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP). Members of the YSRCP staged a walkout during the proceedings. Rajya Sabha Chairman C. P. Radhakrishnan, speaking on behalf of the House and the nation, extended wishes for the people of Andhra Pradesh to have their new, well-built capital in Amaravati.
Nara Lokesh, in a celebratory post, declared, "The eclipse that had befallen Amaravati has passed… Legitimacy has come to the people's capital, Amaravati." He called upon citizens to light lamps at 7 PM to mark this historic victory, symbolizing the restoration of pride in their capital.
Tribute to Farmers and Addressing Past Injustices
Participating in the discussion, Civil Aviation Minister K. Rammohan Naidu highlighted the sacrifices of farmers who voluntarily donated land for the capital's construction. He recounted that when Andhra Pradesh was bifurcated from Telangana in 2014, it was left without a capital, secretariat, or high court. "Amaravati stands strong today because of its farmers and women power," Naidu said, acknowledging their resilience as the true foundation of the city.
Nara Lokesh elaborated on this contribution, revealing that nearly 35,000 acres of land were pooled by farmers in an astonishing 58 days to build the new capital on the banks of the Krishna River. He criticized the previous YSRCP government under former Chief Minister Y. S. Jagan Mohan Reddy for "wasting" time and resources, despite Reddy's pre-2019 election promise that Amaravati would remain the sole capital. Lokesh labeled the previous administration's three-capital proposal as "a failed model globally."
Political Context and Future Assurance
Some opposition MPs, while supporting the bill, cautioned the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) to take full advantage of their pivotal position within the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government. Responding to concerns about the potential for a future government to reverse the legislation, Nara Lokesh assured reporters, "Bills can always be amended, you need a majority. But I believe it will not change. Everyone has voted for Amaravati to be the sole and permanent capital."
He connected the bill's passage to the NDA's electoral success in the 2024 assembly elections, fought on the plank of "one-state-one-capital," which resulted in a victory of 164 out of 175 seats. Notably, he pointed out that the people of Visakhapatnam—where a competing executive capital was once proposed—gave them the highest majority.
Accelerated Development and Future Timeline
On the pace of development, Nara Lokesh provided concrete figures, stating that works worth close to Rs 50,000 crore have already been tendered. He added that the central government has released nearly Rs 18,000 crore to the state since 2024. Outlining an ambitious timeline, he confirmed that the construction of the secretariat, assembly, high court, and all major roads will be completed within two years, in time for an inauguration by the Prime Minister. "Phase one will be done by the end of our current term, no second thoughts about it," Lokesh asserted, signaling a firm commitment to rapid progress.
This legislative milestone not only solidifies Amaravati's status but also aims to rectify historical grievances, setting the stage for accelerated infrastructure development and economic growth in Andhra Pradesh.
