Lok Sabha proceedings in the House during the second part of the budget session of Parliament in New Delhi on April 1, 2026. Photo: Sansad TV via PTI
The Lok Sabha on Wednesday (April 1, 2026) passed a bill recognizing Amaravati as the sole and permanent capital of Andhra Pradesh, with the main opposition Congress backing the legislation. The YSR Congress Party – which had earlier proposed a three-capital plan for the state – walked out in protest.
The Andhra Pradesh Reorganization (Amendment) Bill, 2026 was passed by voice vote after nearly two hours of debate. It will now be sent to the Rajya Sabha and then to the President for approval.
Once enacted, it will give statutory support to Amaravati as the state capital with effect from June 2, 2024, effectively ruling out any future attempt to reverse the decision.
Responding to the debate, Minister of State for Home Nityanand Rai thanked members for supporting the resolution passed by the Andhra Pradesh Assembly seeking legal recognition of Amaravati as the capital.
Opening the discussion, Congress member Manickam Tagore said his party supported the bill but reiterated the demand for special category status for the state. “Let Amaravati develop like Bengaluru, Chennai or Hyderabad. At the same time, cities like Visakhapatnam, Tirupati and Kurnool must also grow,” he said.
During his tenure as chief minister, YSRCP leader YS Jagan Mohan Reddy proposed a three-capital model for the state — an administrative capital in Visakhapatnam, a legislative capital in Amaravati and a judicial capital in Kurnool. After returning to power in 2024, Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu changed the plan and reiterated that Amaravati would be the sole capital of the state.
In the debate, TDP member and Minister of State Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani urged the House to pass the bill unanimously, saying it would end uncertainty over the state capital.
Supporting the legislation, BJP member CM Ramesh said it was probably the first time Parliament had passed a law formally declaring a specific place as the capital of a state. According to him, the earlier proposal of three capitals was “illogical and irrational”.
Compensate farmers: YSRCP
However, the YSRCP opposed the measure, claiming that the interests of farmers who had parted with land for the capital project were left unaddressed. Party member PV Midhun Reddy said that nearly 34,000 acres have been collected for Amaravati capital project with assurance of developed land, housing and education benefits for the affected families.
“Give a clear timeline for compensation to farmers and work it into the bill. Otherwise it has no meaning,” he said, also questioning the financial viability of developing such a large capital city.
According to the bill, the Andhra Pradesh Reorganization Act, 2014 stipulated that Hyderabad would be the joint capital of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana for a period not exceeding 10 years after the bifurcation of the state. The amendment aims to formally incorporate Amaravati as the capital of Andhra Pradesh from 2 June 2024 in accordance with a resolution passed by the State Assembly on 28 March.
Published – 01 Apr 2026 15:02 IST
