Lok Sabha Approves Bill to Establish Amaravati as Andhra Pradesh's Permanent Capital
Legislative Action on Amaravati's Status
On Wednesday, the Lok Sabha officially passed a bill designating Amaravati as the exclusive and permanent capital of Andhra Pradesh.
The ruling coalition members, including the Telugu Desam Party and the Bharatiya Janata Party, expressed their support for the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Amendment Bill. The Congress party also backed the legislation but emphasized the need for special status for the state.
In contrast, the Yuvajana Sramika Rythu Congress, the opposition party in Andhra Pradesh, voiced its dissent. They contended that the bill lacks significance unless it safeguards farmers' interests and establishes a clear timeline for compensating those whose land has been acquired.
Congress MP Manickam Tagore, who led the discussion on the bill, remarked, “We want Amaravati to develop similarly to Bangalore, Chennai, or Hyderabad. We also support the growth of Vishakhapatnam, Tirupati, and Kurnool.”
Union minister and Telugu Desam Party MP Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani urged for unanimous approval of the bill, asserting that it would solidify a permanent capital for the state.
BJP MP CM Ramesh criticized a prior proposal from the YSR Congress Party that suggested designating three cities as capitals, labeling it “illogical and irrational.” The previous government had proposed making Vishakhapatnam the executive capital, Amaravati the legislative capital, and Kurnool the judicial capital.
“This bill will ensure that the capital of Andhra Pradesh remains stable,” Ramesh stated. “A permanent capital will lead to increased revenue and prosperity for the state.”
However, PV Midhun Reddy from the YSR Congress Party highlighted that the government had acquired 34,000 acres for Amaravati's development. He claimed that promises made to land donors, including free developed plots and educational benefits for their children, have not been fulfilled.
“The government shows no concern for farmers,” Reddy asserted. “We need a specific timeline for when these plots will be allocated. If these points are not included in the bill, it holds no value.”