In a significant development, the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill, 2026 was introduced in the Lok Sabha, paving the way for Amaravati to be granted legal status as the sole capital of Andhra Pradesh.
Emotional Speech by Union Minister Pemmassani Chandrasekhar
During the discussion, Union Minister Pemmassani Chandrasekhar delivered an emotional address, calling it a moment of “honour and pride” to speak in Parliament as a “son of Amaravati.”
He described the move as a historic milestone for Telugu people and termed Amaravati a “dream capital” that reflects the aspirations of the state.
Tribute to Farmers and Women Protesters
Chandrasekhar expressed heartfelt gratitude to:
- Farmers who sacrificed their ancestral agricultural land for the capital project
- Women who participated in peaceful protests and long-standing movements demanding Amaravati as the state capital
He acknowledged their contribution as crucial to the realization of this vision.
Legislative Backing and Timeline
The bill follows a resolution passed by the Andhra Pradesh Assembly on March 28, 2026, which cleared the path for central legislation.
The amendment seeks to modify provisions of the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2014, specifically Section 5(2), to officially include Amaravati as the only capital of the state. The change will be deemed effective from June 2, 2024.
Background: From Shared Capital to Single Capital
After the bifurcation of the state in 2014:
- Hyderabad was designated as a joint capital of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana for up to 10 years
- Post this period, Hyderabad was to remain solely with Telangana
- Andhra Pradesh was required to establish its own capital
Following extensive planning and consultations, Amaravati was identified as the new capital, with multiple administrative and infrastructure initiatives undertaken to develop it into a full-fledged governance hub.
A Step Toward Administrative Clarity
The proposed amendment is expected to bring:
- Legal clarity on the state’s capital status
- Administrative stability
- Accelerated infrastructure development in Amaravati
The move marks a defining moment in Andhra Pradesh’s political and developmental journey, reinforcing Amaravati’s position as the state’s central seat of governance.
