In a major political and administrative shift, Amaravati has officially been declared the sole capital of Andhra Pradesh after the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation (Amendment) Act, 2026 received assent from President Droupadi Murmu and was published in the Gazette on Tuesday.
The move marks the end of years of uncertainty over the state’s capital status and delivers a significant political victory to Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, who has strongly backed Amaravati as the single capital.
Naidu Announces “Dream Fulfilled”
Soon after the Gazette notification, Naidu took to social media to declare, “The capital of Andhra Pradesh is Amaravati.” He expressed deep gratitude to President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi for supporting the legislation.
In a detailed message, Naidu said, “On behalf of my people of Andhra Pradesh, I express profound gratitude… This is a victory for my people, especially my farmers of Amaravati.” He credited the Union government, Members of Parliament, state leaders, and citizens for making this long-awaited decision a reality.
What the New Law Says
The amendment modifies the original Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2014 by clearly stating that “Amaravati shall be the new capital.” Earlier, Hyderabad was designated as a joint capital for both Andhra Pradesh and Telangana for up to ten years after bifurcation, after which Andhra Pradesh was required to establish its own capital.
Political Divide Over Capital Decision
While the Bill sailed through Parliament — with approval from both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha — it also sparked political opposition. MPs from the YSR Congress Party staged a walkout during the voting.
YSRCP leader Golla Babu Rao criticised the move, calling it a “drama” and questioning whether the decision truly serves justice to all regions of the state. He argued that such a major decision should ensure balanced development and fairness.
A Turning Point for Andhra Pradesh
The Andhra Pradesh Assembly had earlier passed a resolution on March 28 backing Amaravati as the sole capital, setting the stage for Parliament approval. With the law now in force, Amaravati’s status is no longer just political intent but legal reality.
The decision is expected to have far-reaching impacts on governance, infrastructure development, and regional politics in the state.
What does the new Act change?
It amends the 2014 law to officially declare Amaravati as the only capital of Andhra Pradesh.
Why is this decision important?
It ends years of uncertainty over the state capital and is expected to accelerate development and governance from a single administrative center.
