Amaravati named permanent capital of Andhra Pradesh after Parliament passes Amendment Bill

New Delhi: The Rajya Sabha on Thursday approved a landmark piece of legislation through a voice vote, formally establishing Amaravati as the exclusive and permanent capital of Andhra Pradesh.

The passage of the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill, 2026, marks the final parliamentary hurdle for the measure, which received the green light from the Lok Sabha on Wednesday. The bill is specifically designed to preempt and neutralise any future legislative attempts to alter or diversify the capital’s location, solidifying Amaravati's status after years of regional debate.

During the concluding discussion in the Upper House, Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai extended his congratulations to the southern state, characterising the decision as a pivotal moment in its history.

"We hope that Andhra Pradesh touches new heights of development and plays a meaningful role in fulfilling the dream and resolve of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in achieving 'Viksit Bharat'," Rai stated.

Historical and Strategic Justification

The bill received strong backing from the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and various coalition members. TDP lawmaker Masthan Rao Yadav Beedha argued that the choice of Amaravati was the result of exhaustive deliberation, citing the city's historical significance, central geographic location, and long-term economic potential.

The legislative victory was also supported by Minister of Civil Aviation K. Rammohan Naidu, who joined other members in emphasising that a fixed, singular capital is essential for administrative stability and investor confidence.

A Decade of Uncertainty

Since the bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh in 2014, the question of a permanent seat of government has been a flashpoint in state politics. The previous administration had proposed a "three-capital" model involving Visakhapatnam and Kurnool, a plan that faced significant legal challenges and local opposition.

With the 2026 amendment now cleared by both houses of Parliament, the federal government has effectively codified the "one state, one capital" policy. Supporters believe this will accelerate the construction of critical infrastructure in the Amaravati region, which has seen stalled development over the last several years.

The bill will now be sent to the President for formal assent.

With inputs from PTI