New Delhi, Apr 1 (TNT): The Lok Sabha on Wednesday passed the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill, 2026, to recognise Amaravati as the sole and permanent capital of Andhra Pradesh.
The bill was passed by a voice vote with support from the Congress, BJP and TDP, reflecting broad political consensus on granting legal status to Amaravati as the State capital.
Initiating the debate, Congress MP Manickam Tagore said the party supported the legislation but reiterated its demand for special category status to Andhra Pradesh.
Participating in the debate, Union Minister of State and TDP leader Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani urged the House to pass the bill unanimously, stating that it would ensure a permanent capital for the State.
BJP MP C. M. Ramesh said the legislation would put an end to uncertainty over the capital issue and prevent any future changes, terming earlier proposals of multiple capitals as “illogical”.
However, the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) opposed the bill, raising concerns over the interests of farmers who had given land for the capital project.
Party MP P. V. Midhun Reddy sought a clear timeline for compensation and fulfilment of commitments made to farmers.
The bill seeks to amend provisions of the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2014, under which Hyderabad served as a common capital for Andhra Pradesh and Telangana for a limited period following bifurcation.
Once enacted, Amaravati will be legally recognised as the capital of Andhra Pradesh with effect from June 2, 2024.
Recently, the Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly unanimously passed a resolution affirming ‘Amaravati as the capital of ‘AndhraPradesh.
The State Government urged an amendment to the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2014 and forwarded it to the Centre for Parliament’s approval to attain legal status.
TNT KM
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