Amaravati Officially Designated as Permanent Capital of Andhra Pradesh
Synopsis
Amaravati has been officially designated as the sole capital of Andhra Pradesh, marking a significant development in the state's political landscape. This decision, following a key amendment, brings clarity after years of uncertainty over the capital's status.
Key Takeaways
Amaravati has been officially declared the sole capital of Andhra Pradesh.
The status change ends years of political uncertainty regarding the capital.
The amendment bill was passed with broad parliamentary support.
YSR Congress Party expressed concerns over farmers' issues.
The effective date for the new capital status is June 2, 2024.
Amaravati, April 6 (NationPress) - The city has officially attained statutory status as the exclusive and enduring capital of Andhra Pradesh, following a gazette notification issued by the Government of India this Monday.
This significant milestone came after President Droupadi Murmu granted her approval to the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill, 2026, which received parliamentary endorsement last week.
According to the gazette notification published by the Ministry of Law and Justice, the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation (Amendment) Act, 2026, will be effective starting June 2, 2024.
This amendment modifies the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2014, specifically changing section 5 (2) to affirm that Amaravati is the new capital.
The definition of Amaravati encompasses the capital city precincts as specified under the Andhra Pradesh Capital Region Development Authority Act, 2014, as outlined in the Act's explanation.
The Parliament granted final approval to the amendment bill on April 2, officially recognizing Amaravati as the capital.
Through a voice vote, the Rajya Sabha passed the bill just a day after it cleared the Lok Sabha.
This enactment resolves years of ambiguity and political turmoil regarding the capital, which emerged after the bifurcation of united Andhra Pradesh in 2014. It effectively eliminates any future prospects of changing the capital's designation or reviving the previous three-capital framework.
A total of 35 MPs from both Houses engaged in the debate surrounding the bill, with the majority expressing support except for two members of the YSR Congress Party.
The YSRCP opposed the legislation, arguing it did not adequately address the concerns of farmers who sacrificed their land for the state capital's development.
The groundwork for Amaravati as the state capital was initiated in 2015 under the administration of the Telugu Desam Party (TDP). However, after the YSRCP took power in 2019, it halted all development projects in Amaravati and proposed the three-capital model.
Following the TDP-led NDA's return to power in 2024, the decision was made to continue with Amaravati as the sole capital, leading to the resumption of work last year.
Point of View
The designation of Amaravati as the sole capital of Andhra Pradesh marks a pivotal moment in the state's political journey, providing clarity and stability after years of fluctuating decisions. It reflects a commitment to governance and development in a region that has faced significant challenges.
NationPress
20 Jun 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the gazette notification?
The gazette notification officially designates Amaravati as the sole capital of Andhra Pradesh, providing statutory status and ending years of uncertainty regarding the capital's status.
When will the new capital status take effect?
The new capital status will take effect from June 2, 2024, as per the provisions of the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation (Amendment) Act, 2026.
What changes were made in the amendment bill?
The amendment bill replaced the previous provision that mentioned a new capital with a clear statement affirming that Amaravati shall be the new capital.
What were the main objections from the YSR Congress Party?
The YSR Congress Party opposed the bill on the grounds that it did not adequately address the concerns of farmers who contributed their land for the capital's development.
What led to the decision to maintain Amaravati as the capital?
The decision to maintain Amaravati as the capital came after the TDP-led NDA returned to power in 2024, leading to the resumption of development projects in the city.
