Amaravati Declared Sole Capital as Parliament Passes Key Bill, Naidu Calls It Historic Milestone

Amaravati, April 2026 : Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Thursday hailed the passage of the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill, 2026 in Parliament, calling it a historic and defining moment that firmly establishes Amaravati as the sole capital of the state.

Taking to social media, Naidu described Amaravati as “unstoppable” and the heart of Andhra Pradesh, expressing confidence that it will emerge as a source of pride for the nation. He said the unanimous passage of the Bill in both Houses of Parliament reflects the collective will and aspirations of the people of the state finding a strong voice at the national level.

The legislation, passed by the Rajya Sabha through a voice vote, grants statutory recognition to Amaravati as the permanent capital. Chairman C. P. Radhakrishnan announced the passage amid desk-thumping by members, congratulating the state on behalf of the House and the nation. Members of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) celebrated the moment by raising slogans in support of the Bill.

Naidu reflected on the challenges faced by Andhra Pradesh following its bifurcation in 2014, when the state was left without a capital. He credited the resilience and sacrifices of Amaravati’s farmers for keeping the vision alive during uncertain times. “This moment is a tribute to their trust and determination,” he said, adding that the decision brings long-awaited stability and marks a new era of confidence and development.

He also expressed gratitude to Narendra Modi for his consistent support, noting the Prime Minister’s role from laying the foundation stone of Amaravati in 2015 to reaffirming its vision in recent years. Naidu thanked Union Home Minister Amit Shah and the central government for their role in steering the Bill forward. He further acknowledged the support of leaders across party lines who backed Amaravati as the “Praja Rajadhani” or people’s capital.

The Bill amends the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2014, replacing the earlier provision of “a new capital” with a clear declaration that “Amaravati shall be the new capital.” It had been passed by the Lok Sabha a day earlier, completing the legislative process.

The development follows a unanimous resolution passed by the Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly on March 28, paving the way for the Bill’s introduction in Parliament.

During the nearly three-hour debate in the Rajya Sabha, 17 Members of Parliament from 11 parties participated. Ten parties, including the Congress, supported the Bill, while the YSR Congress Party opposed it, citing concerns over farmers who had contributed land for the capital project.

Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai termed the passage a historic occasion and expressed hope that Andhra Pradesh would accelerate its development journey and contribute to the vision of a developed India.

Civil Aviation Minister K. Ram Mohan Naidu highlighted the prolonged struggle of Amaravati’s farmers and women, who protested for over 1,600 days against the previous government’s proposal for three capitals. He alleged that the earlier administration attempted to suppress these protests.

BJP leader K. Laxman noted that around 29,000 farmers had contributed nearly 33,000 acres of land for the capital, emphasising that a developed Amaravati would play a key role in building a developed Andhra Pradesh.

Congress MP Renuka Chowdhury described the Bill as a victory for farmers, while also raising concerns about pending commitments made during the state’s bifurcation.

The passage of the Bill marks a significant political and administrative milestone, bringing clarity to the long-standing capital issue and setting the stage for Amaravati’s accelerated development as the administrative and symbolic centre of Andhra Pradesh.