The Rajya Sabha passed the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill, 2026, recognizing Amaravati as the sole capital of Andhra Pradesh. This move was greeted with applause from members as announced by Chairman C.P. Radhakrishnan. Minister of State for Home Affairs, Nityanand Rai, hailed the occasion as historic and wished for Andhra Pradesh’s progress towards a developed India.
Members of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) celebrated the passage of the Bill with slogans of support. The debate saw participation from 17 MPs representing 11 parties, with the majority, including Congress, backing the Bill. However, the YSR Congress Party opposed the Bill, citing concerns over farmers’ issues related to land acquisition for the state capital.
The Bill, which affirms Amaravati as Andhra Pradesh’s capital, amends the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2014. The Lok Sabha had previously passed this amendment, replacing the provision of “a new capital” with “Amaravati shall be the new capital.” The Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly’s unanimous resolution paved the way for introducing the Bill in Parliament.
Civil Aviation Minister K. Ram Mohan Naidu highlighted the prolonged struggle of Amaravati’s farmers and women against the previous government’s proposal for three capitals. BJP MP K. Laxman emphasized the significant land contribution by farmers for capital Amaravati, envisioning a developed Andhra Pradesh. Congress MP Renuka Chowdhury expressed full party support for the Bill, considering it a win for farmers and criticized the Centre for unmet post-bifurcation commitments.
