Andhra Pradesh Assembly Seals Amaravati Stand

In a significant political development, the Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly on Saturday unanimously passed a resolution urging the Union Government to grant statutory recognition to Amaravati as the State capital. The move, described as historic by the ruling alliance, is aimed at ending years of uncertainty surrounding the capital issue.

The resolution proposes an amendment to Section 5(2) of the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act to explicitly include the phrase “at Amaravati,” thereby legally cementing its status as the capital. It also seeks to extend capital jurisdiction to areas notified by the AP Capital Region Development Authority, removing ambiguities that have persisted since bifurcation.

Following its passage, Assembly Speaker Chintakayala Ayyannapatrudu promptly forwarded the resolution to the Union Home Ministry, along with copies to the Lok Sabha Speaker, Rajya Sabha Chairman, Union Home Secretary, and the State Chief Secretary, highlighting the urgency of the matter.

The special Assembly session, convened exclusively for this purpose, witnessed over five and a half hours of intense debate, with 23 members participating. Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu introduced the resolution, asserting that Amaravati is the State’s only capital and cannot be diluted or shifted.

Naidu termed the resolution a corrective step against policy instability under the previous regime, blaming it for derailing Amaravati through the three capital proposal. He argued that such decisions damaged investor confidence, delayed development, and caused hardship to farmers who had contributed over 33,000 acres under the land pooling system.

Highlighting the economic importance of a capital city, he cited Hyderabad’s growth as an example, stating that a well planned capital acts as an economic engine. He reaffirmed that Amaravati’s construction has resumed, with 91 infrastructure projects worth ₹56,000 crore underway and a target to develop a functional capital by 2028.

Naidu also outlined a broader vision, positioning Visakhapatnam and Tirupati as complementary growth centres while maintaining Amaravati’s primacy. Emphasising cultural and historical significance, he described Amaravati as a symbol of Telugu identity and self respect.

Lokesh slams YSRCP

Minister Nara Lokesh strongly criticised the opposition, particularly the YSRCP, for boycotting the Assembly debate. He termed the resolution a victory not just for Amaravati farmers but for the entire population of Andhra Pradesh.

Lokesh questioned the credibility of the YSRCP leadership, pointing out that despite having representation in the Assembly, its members chose to remain absent during a crucial discussion. He also took a swipe at party chief Y. S. Jagan Mohan Reddy, alleging a lack of clarity and commitment on the capital issue.

Symbol of Telugu identity: Pawan Kalyan

Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan delivered an emotional address, linking Amaravati to the broader struggle for Telugu identity and statehood. He noted that it was unfortunate for a state formed through sacrifice to still lack a stable capital.

Recalling developments during the previous regime, he alleged that Amaravati was deliberately targeted and that even peaceful protesters, including women, faced repression. He stressed that the present government’s mandate is rooted in its commitment to Amaravati as the sole capital.