The Lok Sabha on Wednesday passed a crucial bill recognising Amaravati as the sole and permanent capital of Andhra Pradesh, marking a major political and administrative shift in the state. The bill received strong backing from the ruling NDA and the Congress, while the YSR Congress Party opposed the move and staged a walkout during voting.

The legislation, introduced as an amendment to the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, gives formal and legal status to Amaravati as the only capital of the state, effective from June 2, 2024. It also ensures that the capital status cannot be changed in the future, bringing an end to years of uncertainty over the issue. Union Minister of State for Home Nityanand Rai thanked members across parties for supporting the bill and called it a step towards stability and development.

The capital issue has been one of the most controversial topics in Andhra Pradesh politics. Former Chief Minister Y. S. Jagan Mohan Reddy had earlier proposed a three-capital model, suggesting Visakhapatnam as the executive capital, Amaravati as the legislative capital, and Kurnool as the judicial capital. However, after returning to power in 2024, Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu scrapped the proposal and pushed for Amaravati to remain the single capital.

Supporting the bill, BJP MP C. M. Ramesh described the three-capital concept as impractical and said a single capital would boost investment and governance. Congress leader Manickam Tagore also backed the move, while reiterating the demand for special category status for the state.

Despite the broad support, the YSRCP strongly opposed the bill, raising concerns over unresolved issues related to farmers who had given land for Amaravati’s development. Party MP P V Midhun Reddy argued that compensation promises, including developed plots and welfare benefits, have not been fully delivered. The party also questioned the lack of clarity on funding and timelines for the capital’s development.