The Andhra Pradesh government will forward a key resolution to the Union government seeking an amendment to the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2014 to formally designate Amaravati as the permanent capital city of the State, Telugu Desam Party (TDP) general secretary and Human Resources Development Minister Nara Lokesh said on Saturday (March 28, 2026).
Speaking informally with journalists ahead of a special Assembly session, Mr. Lokesh, at his chambers, stated that the proposal would be sent to New Delhi by Saturday evening. He expressed confidence that the Union Cabinet would consider the amendment on April 1, following which it is likely to be introduced in Parliament on April 2, 2026 during the ongoing session itself.
Cabinet resolves to urge Centre to declare Amaravati as ‘sole Capital’ of Andhra Pradesh
The resolution urges the Centre to amend Section 5 of the Act by inserting the words “at Amaravati” in sub-section (2), and by adding a clarification that “Amaravati includes the capital city areas notified under the Andhra Pradesh Capital Region Development Authority Act, 2014.” According to the State government, this legal change would firmly establish Amaravati as the capital.
Mr. Lokesh alleged that Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy, during his tenure as Chief Minister between 2019 and 2024, had “deliberately attempted to weaken” the development of Amaravati. He said the present NDA government was committed to ensuring that Amaravati remains the capital “forever.”
The Minister also criticised the Opposition YSR Congress Party for boycotting the Assembly proceedings. “They were expected to participate in the debate on such an important issue but chose to stay away. The public will closely watch their stand in Parliament as well,” he remarked.
Mr. Lokesh added that Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu would formally introduce the resolution in the Assembly at 11 a.m., fixed as per auspicious considerations.
In a sharp political attack, he also took aim at YSRCP leadership, questioning their commitment to Amaravati and remarking that their absence from the Assembly reflected their lack of seriousness on the capital issue.
The development comes amid heightened political activity in the State over the capital question, with the ruling coalition pushing for legislative and legal clarity on Amaravati’s status.
“Stating that the current government has removed excess security staff from the protocol for Chief Minister and others, whereas the previous regime under the leadership of Jagan Mohan Reddy misused the police. Hundreds and thousands of police forces were used for his protocal purpose,” Mr. Lokesh alleged. He further added that now, the government is deploying the security as per the manual to protect the VVIPs.
Published – March 28, 2026 01:09 pm IST
