New Delhi, March 31, 2026 — The Union Government is set to introduce the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill, 2026 in the Lok Sabha on April 1, formally recognising Amaravati as the sole capital of Andhra Pradesh and providing it with long-sought statutory backing.
The bill amends Section 5 of the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2014 — the legislation that created the states of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana on June 2, 2014. The original Act had designated Hyderabad as the common capital for a period not exceeding 10 years and stated that “there shall be a new capital for the State of Andhra Pradesh,” without specifying its location. The proposed amendment inserts the words “at Amaravati” in sub-section (2) and adds a clarification that “Amaravati includes the capital city areas notified under the Andhra Pradesh Capital Region Development Authority Act, 2014.” Some reports indicate the bill may also give retrospective effect from June 2, 2024.
# Background and Recent Developments
The move follows a unanimous resolution passed by the Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly on March 28, 2026, moved by Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu after a detailed debate. The resolution urged the Centre to grant legal sanctity to Amaravati as the permanent and sole capital, ending years of political uncertainty and policy reversals. The YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) MLAs reportedly stayed away or boycotted the proceedings. The resolution was forwarded to the Union Home Ministry, Lok Sabha Speaker, and Rajya Sabha Chairman.
The TDP-led NDA government in Andhra Pradesh has prioritised reviving the greenfield capital project at Amaravati, which faced significant delays and legal challenges during the previous YSRCP regime that explored alternative capital models (decentralised development with Visakhapatnam and Kurnool as executive and judicial capitals).
# What the Bill Aims to Achieve
Officials and ruling party leaders say the amendment will provide statutory clarity and legal protection to Amaravati, shielding it from future policy changes by any state government. It is expected to accelerate infrastructure development, attract investments, and resolve ongoing litigation related to land acquisition and capital status. The Centre is likely to secure Union Cabinet approval before tabling the bill, with expectations that it could be passed in the ongoing parliamentary session with a simple majority in both Houses.
Copies of the bill have already been circulated among Members of Parliament. Union Home Minister Amit Shah and other senior leaders have been involved in discussions on the matter.
# Political Reactions
The development has been welcomed by the ruling TDP and its NDA allies as a fulfilment of a key electoral promise and a boost for the state’s development. TDP general secretary and minister Nara Lokesh has expressed confidence in its smooth passage.
The opposition YSRCP’s stance in Parliament remains unclear; questions have been raised whether the party, which opposed or stayed away from the Assembly resolution, will support or oppose the bill in the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha.
This legislative step comes amid broader discussions on Andhra Pradesh’s development, including the Polavaram irrigation project and upcoming delimitation that could increase the state’s Assembly and Lok Sabha seats.
The introduction of the bill tomorrow marks a significant milestone in closing the prolonged chapter on Andhra Pradesh’s capital city dispute that began with the 2014 bifurcation.
For More News Updates Follow Us On www.tconews.in
