Amaravati Set to Be Sole Capital: New Bill Clears Path

A bill introduced in India's Lok Sabha seeks to designate Amaravati as the sole capital of Andhra Pradesh. This move, led by the TDP and Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, aims to undo previous changes and establish Amaravati's stature legally. The bill now awaits further legislative steps.

On Wednesday, a pivotal bill to officially designate Amaravati as the permanent capital of Andhra Pradesh was introduced in India's Lok Sabha. This significant legislative move aims to solidify Amaravati's status and aligns with the aspirations of the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and its chief, N Chandrababu Naidu.

The Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill, 2026, spearheaded by Union Minister of State for Home Nityanand Rai, seeks to overturn a previous multi-capital proposal. During the voice vote, Speaker Om Birla accepted the bill, which will preempt any potential attempts to alter the state's capital once more.

The decision holds strategic relevance in the political landscape, given TDP's alliance with the ruling NDA and its support in the Lok Sabha. If passed, Amaravati will gain legal recognition as the capital by June 2, 2024, thus ending the long-standing debate over Andhra Pradesh's capital city.

(With inputs from agencies.)