Andhra Pradesh's Amaravati Bill: A Step Towards Permanent Capital Recognition

Original: How did the ‘Amaravati Bill’ come into place?

The Hindu•Apr 5, 20264 min

In a Nutshell

On April 2, 2026, the Indian Parliament passed the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill, 2026, designating Amaravati as the sole capital of Andhra Pradesh. This decision follows a history of political debate and legal challenges regarding the state's capital since its bifurcation in 2014.

Key Points

01The Bill recognizes Amaravati as the sole capital of Andhra Pradesh effective from June 2, 2024.
02The YSR Congress Party opposed the Bill, citing unfulfilled promises related to the Land Pooling Scheme for farmers.
03The amendment aims to provide statutory backing to Amaravati's status as the capital, preventing future changes.
04The Bill received broad support across political lines, except from the YSR Congress Party.
05The legislative move follows a ruling by the Andhra Pradesh High Court affirming Amaravati's status.

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Full Summary

On April 2, 2026, the Indian Parliament passed the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill, 2026, establishing Amaravati as the sole and permanent capital of Andhra Pradesh. This decision is rooted in the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2014, which mandated that Hyderabad serve as a joint capital for both Andhra Pradesh and Telangana for ten years following the state's bifurcation in 2014. The YSR Congress Party (YSRCP), which had proposed a three-capital model, opposed the Bill, arguing it does not adequately address the concerns of farmers affected by the Land Pooling Scheme. Despite this opposition, the Bill received broad political support, emphasizing the need for statutory recognition to secure Amaravati's status and prevent future changes. The amendment aims to clarify the capital's designation and ensure the interests of landowners are considered in future developments. The Bill is set to take effect on June 2, 2024, when Hyderabad will officially become the capital of Telangana, leaving Andhra Pradesh to establish its own capital.

Key Figures

10 years

Duration for which Hyderabad served as a joint capital for Andhra Pradesh and Telangana

June 2, 2024

Date when Amaravati will officially become the capital of Andhra Pradesh

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Why It Matters

The Bill's passage means that the residents and stakeholders in Amaravati can expect focused development and investment in the region, enhancing local infrastructure and services.

Who is affected

Farmers, residents of Amaravati, and local businesses

What to know

Farmers should engage with government representatives to ensure their concerns regarding compensation are addressed.

FAQ

The Amaravati Bill establishes Amaravati as the sole capital of Andhra Pradesh, providing it with statutory recognition and preventing future changes.

The YSR Congress Party opposed the Bill due to concerns that it ignores unfulfilled promises regarding compensation for farmers involved in the Land Pooling Scheme.

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