Centre Moves Toward Amaravati Capital Bill in Parliament

Amaravati’s Legal Status Returns to Centre–State Agenda

The future of Amaravati as Andhra Pradesh’s capital has moved back to the centre of political and administrative discussion. With renewed criticism from the YSR Congress Party over the capital issue, Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has responded firmly, while his recent meetings with Union ministers have drawn attention.

Naidu’s repeated public assertions that Amaravati will remain the permanent capital have coincided with speculation around a possible Central move during the upcoming Parliament Budget Session. These developments have added momentum to the ongoing debate on granting statutory recognition to the capital.

Background of Capital Recognition

Amaravati was declared the capital of Andhra Pradesh by the state government in 2015. However, it did not receive formal legal recognition at the Central level due to provisions in the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, which allowed Hyderabad to remain the joint capital for ten years following bifurcation.

That transitional arrangement ended on June 2 last year. During the intervening period, the previous state government proposed a three-capital model, citing the absence of Central recognition for Amaravati. The proposal later became a key political issue and was rejected in the last Assembly elections, with the present government stating that Amaravati stands approved as the sole capital.

Delay in Central Legislation

Despite the change in government and nearly a year of the coalition administration completing its term, criticism has emerged over the lack of statutory backing for Amaravati. The renewed focus on Central legislation comes alongside broader efforts by the Chief Minister to push pending Andhra Pradesh commitments in Parliament, including directions issued earlier to MPs on securing a special package and development assurances.

The focus has now shifted to the Budget Session beginning on the 28th of this month. Chief Minister Naidu is understood to be pressing for the introduction of the Amaravati Bill during this session, amid indications that the draft legislation has reached an advanced stage.

Meetings With Union Ministers Add Momentum

The issue gained further traction following a meeting between Naidu and Union Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal at the VIP lounge of Gannavaram airport. While no official details were disclosed, the interaction has triggered discussion that the capital issue figured prominently in their talks.

Subsequently, Naidu reiterated that Amaravati cannot be shifted and stated that the capital, developed through the sacrifices of farmers, would be strengthened. He underlined that construction works would continue at pace and reaffirmed Amaravati as the permanent capital.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Amaravati in May last year and formally launched construction works. The state government has stated that Central funding support for capital development is being extended. With the Bill now reportedly moving from legal scrutiny to the Urban Development Ministry, attention remains on whether the Centre will move swiftly in the current session.

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