Amaravati Officially Declared as Andhra Pradesh Capital After Years of Anticipation
Amaravati's Official Capital Status Confirmed
After years of waiting, Amaravati has been officially designated as the capital of Andhra Pradesh. The announcement was made on April 6, following the signing of a gazette notification under the Andhra Pradesh Reorganization (Amendment) Act, 2026, which legally validates a decision anticipated since the state's bifurcation in 2014. According to the notification, Amaravati will be recognized as the official capital retroactively from June 2, 2024.
Legal Confirmation of Governance Continuity
This decision ensures continuity in governance and provides legal backing to the choice of the city as the administrative center. The announcement marks the formal end of a 12-year period of uncertainty that followed the formation of Telangana and the arrangement of a joint capital with Hyderabad.
CM Naidu Confirms the Development
Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu confirmed this development on social media, stating, "Amaravati is the capital of Andhra Pradesh." This declaration came after the passage of the Andhra Pradesh Reorganization (Amendment) Act in Parliament.
Amendment to Previous Legislation
The new law amends the 2014 Reorganization Act, which explicitly stated that "Amaravati will be the new capital," thereby replacing the previous arrangement that designated Hyderabad as a temporary joint capital.
Legislative Support for Amaravati
The decision gained momentum after the state assembly passed a resolution supporting Amaravati on March 28. Subsequently, the Lok Sabha approved the bill on April 1, followed by its passage in the Rajya Sabha on April 2.
CM Expresses Gratitude
Naidu expressed his gratitude to the national leadership for supporting this decision. He thanked President Droupadi Murmu for endorsing the law and Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his guidance, stating, "This is a victory for the people of Andhra Pradesh, especially for the farmers of Amaravati."
Mixed Reactions to the Announcement
While many welcomed this move, opposition voices raised concerns regarding the decision. YSR Congress Party MP Golla Babu Rao criticized the law, labeling it as "a drama" and emphasized that any changes to the capital should consider the interests of all societal segments.