In a decisive push to safeguard Amaravati as Andhra Pradesh’s capital, Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu met Union Home Minister Amit Shah in New Delhi on January 7. Naidu requested an amendment to the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2014, to grant statutory backing to the greenfield capital, shielding it from future policy reversals.

The move comes as Amaravati faces a history of political uncertainty, especially during the YSR Congress Party’s rule (2019–2024), when a controversial three-capitals model was proposed. Naidu’s administration, returning to power in June 2024, has consistently reaffirmed Amaravati as the sole capital, following High Court support in 2022 and sustained farmers’ protests.

Naidu emphasized that statutory protection would formalize Amaravati’s status from June 2, 2024, the date when Hyderabad ceased to be the common capital. The amendment, once introduced in Parliament, is expected to make it difficult for any future government to alter Amaravati’s capital status without legislative approval.

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Since assuming office, the TDP-led government has revived stalled projects, including road and bridge construction, and allocated funds to develop government infrastructure. Key initiatives include the opening of the 1.5-km Seed Access Road and ongoing work on the Amaravati Seed Capital Road (E3) to enhance connectivity with Vijayawada.

Naidu has also engaged with the Centre extensively, meeting Prime Minister Modi and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to secure Rs 15,000 crore for Amaravati’s development. Discussions with Shah on amending the Reorganisation Act and promoting aerospace and electronics hubs in regions such as Lepakshi-Orvakal have reportedly progressed positively, with a draft amendment under legal review.

Political analysts view Naidu’s appeal as a strategic move to protect Amaravati from Andhra Pradesh’s volatile political history. While the decision may consolidate the TDP’s support in Krishna–Guntur, it could rekindle debates in coastal districts advocating decentralization, with economic benefits hinging on statutory approval to attract investment and accelerate the state’s growth ambitions.

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