Parliament Enacts Amaravati as Andhra Pradesh's Sole Capital
Parliament has passed the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill, officially designating Amaravati as the sole and permanent capital of Andhra Pradesh. This move resolves years of uncertainty following the state's bifurcation in 2014 and nullifies previous proposals for multiple capitals.
Key Highlights
- Amaravati officially declared the sole capital of Andhra Pradesh.
- Parliamentary bill resolves years of capital city ambiguity.
- The decision supersedes previous three-capital proposals.
- Legislation provides statutory backing to Amaravati's status.
- The capital status is effective retrospectively from June 2, 2024.
- Bill passed with support from major political parties, excluding YSRCP.
In a significant legislative development, the Parliament of India has passed the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill, 2026, officially and permanently declaring Amaravati as the sole capital of Andhra Pradesh. This landmark decision brings to an end a decade-long period of uncertainty and political flux surrounding the state's administrative center, a situation that arose after the bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh and the formation of Telangana in 2014. The bill, which received broad support across most political parties, including the ruling NDA and the Congress, was passed by the Lok Sabha on April 1, 2026, and subsequently by the Rajya Sabha on April 2, 2026. The YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) was the only major political entity to oppose the bill, with its Members of Parliament staging a walkout in protest. They raised concerns regarding the compensation for farmers who had surrendered their land for Amaravati's development and questioned the lack of a definitive timeline for such compensation.
The new legislation amends Section 5 of the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2014, which had initially designated Hyderabad as the common capital for both states for a period not exceeding 10 years. The amendment provides statutory backing to Amaravati as the state's exclusive capital, effectively nullifying any previous attempts or proposals to establish multiple capitals, such as the three-capital model (Visakhapatnam as executive, Amaravati as legislative, and Kurnool as judicial) that was introduced by the previous YSRCP government. The bill stipulates that Amaravati's status as the sole capital is effective retrospectively from June 2, 2024, the date marking the end of Hyderabad's tenure as the common capital.
The journey to solidify Amaravati's position has been a complex one. After the bifurcation in 2014, the then Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu championed Amaravati as the new capital, initiating a large-scale land pooling scheme where farmers contributed approximately 33,000 acres for its development. However, following the electoral மாற்றங்களுக்கு in 2019 and the YSRCP coming to power, the Amaravati project faced significant setbacks, with the government proposing a decentralised three-capital model. Upon the return of N. Chandrababu Naidu and the TDP to power in 2024, the push to re-establish Amaravati as the sole capital gained momentum, culminating in the Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly passing a resolution on March 28, 2026, requesting the Union government to provide legal clarity.
Union Minister of State for Home Affairs, Nityanand Rai, described the passage of the bill as a historic moment, emphasizing that it would provide much-needed administrative clarity and stability for Andhra Pradesh. He expressed hope that this would pave the way for focused development and good governance. Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu highlighted that the bill would end the confusion created by shifting stances on the capital issue and affirmed the NDA government's full support for Amaravati's development. The legislation is seen as a fulfillment of Chief Minister Naidu's vision and a significant step towards ensuring consistent policy and governance in the state. The government's statement of objects and reasons for the bill also referenced a Supreme Court affirmation in 2022, which suggested that decisions regarding capital cities fall within the purview of the central government.
The establishment of Amaravati as the capital has deep historical roots, with the region having served as the capital of the Satavahana Dynasty nearly two thousand years ago and being a significant ancient Buddhist site. This legislative action not only resolves a critical administrative issue for Andhra Pradesh but also marks a unique instance in India's post-independence history where Parliament has passed a specific bill to declare a particular city as the permanent capital of a state. The move is expected to boost investor confidence and accelerate infrastructure development, aligning with broader national development goals like 'Viksit Bharat'.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill, 2026?
The bill officially declares Amaravati as the sole and permanent capital of Andhra Pradesh, resolving a decade-long ambiguity and superseding previous proposals for multiple capitals. It provides statutory backing to Amaravati's status and is effective retrospectively from June 2, 2024.
Why was there uncertainty about Andhra Pradesh's capital?
Following the state's bifurcation in 2014, Hyderabad became the temporary joint capital. While Amaravati was initially proposed as the new capital, subsequent governments introduced a three-capital model, leading to legal and political disputes until this parliamentary act.
Which political parties supported or opposed the bill?
The bill received support from the NDA coalition, including the TDP, and the Congress party. The YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) opposed the bill, citing concerns about farmer compensation, and its MPs staged a walkout during the parliamentary debate.
What is the historical context of Amaravati as a capital?
Amaravati has a rich historical legacy, having served as the capital of the Satavahana Dynasty nearly two thousand years ago. It was also a significant ancient Buddhist site.