The Andhra Pradesh Cabinet has approved a resolution to be presented in a special session of the Legislative Assembly on March 28, urging the Union Government to grant legal recognition to Amaravati as the capital city of Andhra Pradesh. Section-5 of the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2014 will be modified for this purpose.
During a Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, it was decided to introduce the resolution in the Assembly following a four-hour debate. Additionally, the word ‘Amaravati’ will be included in place of the new State capital in the Capital Region Development Authority (CRDA) Act.
Chief Minister Naidu had previously appealed to the Centre to confer legal status on Amaravati as the capital of Andhra Pradesh. The Centre has requested the State government to submit a resolution on this matter after its adoption in the State Assembly to prevent future technical or legal complications.
Upon receiving the State Assembly’s approved resolution, the Union Cabinet is expected to endorse it, with an official declaration naming Amaravati as the capital city of Andhra Pradesh anticipated during the current session of Parliament. Farmers who contributed land for the capital city have also demanded legal recognition for Amaravati.
In a meeting with Union Home Minister Amit Shah in January, Chief Minister Naidu urged the Centre to establish statutory status for Amaravati as the State’s permanent capital through a parliamentary Bill, emphasizing its significance for the state’s long-term progress and stability. Recognizing the necessity for policy certainty, the Chief Minister highlighted that formal legislative acknowledgment of Amaravati would expedite development, meet the aspirations of Andhra Pradesh’s populace, and enhance investor confidence.
Following the TDP-led coalition government’s assumption of power in 2024, the decision was made to revive Amaravati’s development as the state capital. Prime Minister Narendra Modi recommenced capital development activities last year. PM Modi originally laid the foundation stone for Amaravati on October 22, 2015, during the TDP’s tenure in the state. Subsequently, after the YSR Congress Party took office in 2019, capital works were halted, and plans were announced to establish three state capitals, with Amaravati proposed solely as a legislative capital.
