Rajya Sabha Approves Bill Recognizing Amaravati as Andhra Pradesh's Capital
Synopsis
In a significant legislative move, the Rajya Sabha has approved the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill, 2026, affirming Amaravati as the sole capital of Andhra Pradesh. This landmark decision follows extensive debates and support from multiple political parties.
Key Takeaways
The Rajya Sabha has passed the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill, 2026.
Amaravati is now officially recognized as the sole capital of Andhra Pradesh.
The bill was supported by multiple political parties, showcasing a broad consensus.
Concerns from farmers regarding land acquisition remain a critical issue.
This legislative decision is seen as a significant step toward the state's development.
New Delhi, April 2 (NationPress) The Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill, 2026, which provides statutory recognition to Amaravati as the exclusive and permanent capital of Andhra Pradesh, was successfully passed by the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday.
During the session, Rajya Sabha Chairman C.P. Radhakrishnan announced the Bill's passage through a voice vote, met with enthusiastic applause from the members. He extended congratulations to Andhra Pradesh on behalf of the House and the nation.
Members of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) raised chants in celebration of the Bill's approval.
In response to the debate, Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai commended Andhra Pradesh, labeling it a momentous event and expressing hope for the state’s growth in alignment with the vision of a 'Viksit Bharat'.
A total of 17 MPs from 11 different political parties engaged in nearly a three-hour discussion. While ten parties, including Congress, expressed support for the Bill, the YSR Congress Party opposed it, claiming it overlooked the issues faced by farmers who had surrendered land for the state capital.
Present in the gallery to observe the proceedings were Andhra Pradesh minister and TDP general secretary Nara Lokesh, along with several members of the Lok Sabha and TDP leaders.
The Bill, which had already received approval from the Lok Sabha earlier on Wednesday, amends the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2014, confirming Amaravati as the capital of Andhra Pradesh.
The modification to Section 5 of the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2014 substitutes the previous phrase “a new capital” with “Amaravati shall be the new capital.”
On March 28, the Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly unanimously passed a resolution that paved the way for the Bill's introduction in Parliament.
Members from the TDP, BJP, and Jana Sena, who are part of the NDA government in Andhra Pradesh, vocally supported the Bill. The Congress, Samajwadi Party, Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS), and other parties also backed the legislation.
During the debate, Civil Aviation Minister K. Ram Mohan Naidu reminded attendees that farmers and women from Amaravati had valiantly protested for over 1,600 days against the previous YSRCP government's proposal to establish three capitals.
He accused the former government of utilizing state resources to quell the dissenters.
BJP MP K. Laxman noted that 29,000 farmers contributed 33,000 acres of land for Amaravati, asserting that a developed capital will lead to a developed Andhra Pradesh and help realize the vision of a 'Viksit Bharat'.
Congress MP Renuka Chowdhury from Telangana, who initiated the discussion, pledged full support to the Bill on behalf of her party, describing it as a triumph for farmers.
The former union minister criticized the Centre for failing to honor commitments made during the state's bifurcation.
BRS MP Ravichandra from Telangana called for the return of five villages in Bhadrachalam to Telangana.
Point of View
2026, marks a crucial step in affirming Amaravati as the state's capital. While the approval is celebrated by many, it highlights ongoing tensions regarding land acquisition and farmer rights, illustrating the complexities of regional governance and development in India.
NationPress
20 Jun 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill, 2026?
It is a legislative bill that grants statutory recognition to Amaravati as the sole and permanent capital of Andhra Pradesh.
When was the bill passed?
The bill was passed by the Rajya Sabha on April 2, 2026.
What were the main points of contention during the debate?
The main contention was regarding the concerns of farmers who provided land for the capital, with opposition from the YSR Congress Party.
What political parties supported the bill?
The bill received support from several parties, including Congress, TDP, BJP, and Jana Sena.
What changes does the amendment make to the 2014 Act?
It amends Section 5 to replace 'a new capital' with 'Amaravati shall be the new capital'.
