Marking a major achievement for the TDP led NDA government in the state of Andhra Pradesh the Amaravati Capital Bill received approval in both houses of the parliament with a full majority in Lok Sabha granting legal status to Amaravati as the state capital.
As in the original act Amaravati will be incorporated as the capital of Andhra Pradesh with effect from June 2, 2024.
AP’s Chief Minister Mr N Chandrababu Naidu said that Amaravati has now received irreversible legal status as the capital of Andhra Pradesh through an Act passed in Parliament, calling it a historic moment honoring the will of the people.
“Amaravati is not just a capital, it is a symbol of Telugu pride and self-respect” said Mr Naidu and expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Mr Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Mr Amit Shah and leaders of all political parties that supported the bill.
Expressing happiness over the passage of the Amaravati Bill in Parliament, AP’s Minister for Education and IT, Mr Nara Lokesh called it a historic and emotional victory.
“This is a significant development reflecting the aspirations of five crore people of Andhra Pradesh,” said Mr Lokesh.
It might be noted that the Andhra Pradesh Assembly had passed a unanimous resolution reaffirming Amaravati as the permanent capital, which was subsequently backed in Parliament.
Mr Lokesh acknowledged the Centre’s pivotal role in bringing together support from across political parties in favour of Andhra Pradesh.
Following a detailed discussion in the Lok Sabha, the Amaravati Bill was approved, marking a crucial milestone in the state’s journey toward having a permanent capital.
Immediately after the bill was passed in the Lok Sabha, Minister Lokesh went to New Delhi and met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Parliament.
On behalf of the people of Andhra Pradesh, he personally conveyed his thanks for the Centre’s steadfast support in granting legal backing to Amaravati.
The development is being seen as a defining moment for Andhra Pradesh, reaffirming confidence in Amaravati as the state’s sole and permanent capital while signalling strong coordination between the state and the Centre.
Mr Lokesh also outlined the government’s roadmap, stating that capital development works would be expedited and completed in phases, with the first phase targeted within two years. He added that the government intends to invite the Prime Minister to inaugurate the completed capital city.
