Amendment to Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2014
The Lok Sabha has passed the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill, 2026. This legislation establishes Amaravati as the sole and permanent capital of Andhra Pradesh.
Objective of the Bill
- The bill aims to end the prolonged uncertainty over the state's capital.
- It is a response to a resolution passed by the Andhra Pradesh state legislative assembly on March 28, seeking an amendment to Section 5 of the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2014.
Historical Context
- Under the original 2014 Act, Hyderabad was designated as a temporary joint capital for Telangana and Andhra Pradesh for up to ten years.
- The amendment confirms Amaravati as the successor capital to Hyderabad, effective retroactively from June 2, 2024.
- It includes all areas specified under the Andhra Pradesh Capital Region Development Authority Act, 2014.
Political Context and Promises
- TDP MP Lavu Krishna emphasized the bill’s intent to provide continuity and clarity by formally recognizing Amaravati as the sole capital.
- The previous decision (2019-2025) to establish three capitals — administrative in Visakhapatnam, legislative in Amaravati, and judicial in Kurnool — is being reversed.
- This amendment fulfills a long-standing promise by TDP chief N Chandrababu Naidu, who had initially announced Amaravati as the capital in 2015.
Political Developments
- After the TDP's 2019 electoral defeat, the YSR Congress government attempted to implement a three-capital model.
- Upon regaining power in 2024, Naidu reasserted Amaravati’s status as the sole capital, leading to the legislative push for clarity.
Legal and Administrative Implications
- The amendment aims to legally confirm Amaravati’s status as the sole capital.
- It is intended to prevent any future changes to the capital and streamline governance and administrative planning.
