Lok Sabha Approves Amendment Bill Recognizing Amaravati as Andhra Pradesh Capital
The Lok Sabha has officially recognized Amaravati as the capital of Andhra Pradesh by passing the Andhra Pradesh Reorganization (Amendment) Bill, 2026. This significant decision concludes a prolonged period of uncertainty regarding the state's capital following its bifurcation in 2014. While the bill received broad support, the YSR Congress Party expressed concerns over the lack of a timeline for fulfilling commitments to farmers involved in the capital's development. The history of Andhra Pradesh's capital has been complex, with previous proposals for multiple capitals being withdrawn. This latest amendment marks a pivotal moment in the state's governance.
| Apr 1, 2026, 17:48 IST
Amaravati Officially Declared Capital of Andhra Pradesh
On April 1, the Lok Sabha passed the Andhra Pradesh Reorganization (Amendment) Bill, 2026, officially designating Amaravati as the capital of Andhra Pradesh. This decision brings an end to over a decade of uncertainty regarding the seat of government following the state's bifurcation in 2014. The bill, introduced by Minister of State for Home Nityanand Rai, received overwhelming support from various political parties and was passed by voice vote.
However, the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) staged a walkout, arguing that the bill should have included a timeline for fulfilling promises made to farmers who relinquished their land for Amaravati's development. The amendment replaces the phrase 'a new capital will be' in Section 5(2) of the Andhra Pradesh Reorganization Act, 2014, with 'Amaravati will be the new capital.'
The 2014 Act designated Hyderabad as the joint capital for both Andhra Pradesh and the newly formed Telangana for a maximum of ten years. Following this period, Hyderabad will remain the capital of Telangana, while Amaravati will serve as the new capital for Andhra Pradesh. This move follows a resolution passed by the Andhra Pradesh Assembly on March 28, urging the central government to amend the 2014 Act to formally recognize Amaravati as the state capital.
The capital issue in Andhra Pradesh has a tumultuous history. During the tenure of the YSRCP, the state government proposed a three-capital formula, designating Amaravati as the legislative capital, Kurnool as the judicial capital, and Visakhapatnam as the executive capital. However, this plan was withdrawn in 2021.