The Union government is preparing to give legal status to Amaravati as the capital of Andhra Pradesh, Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu announced, indicating a major policy shift. He stated that after Union Cabinet approval, the Modi government is ready to introduce a bill during the ongoing Parliament Budget Session. Under the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, the power to decide the state capital lies with the state government. Accordingly, Amaravati was selected in 2014, and foundation ceremonies were held the same year. However, administrative changes later delayed progress, keeping the capital issue uncertain until now.
Chandrababu Naidu clearly stated that the Centre would table the bill in the Budget Session itself. He described this move as crucial for ending years of confusion over the capital. According to him, the decision would restore confidence among people who supported Amaravati from the beginning. The Chief Minister added that the Centre is now ready to take a decisive stand on the issue.
TDP MPs asked to actively engage with the Centre
Meanwhile, Chandrababu Naidu directed TDP Members of Parliament to stay in constant touch with Union ministers and senior officials. He urged them to focus on securing maximum benefits for Andhra Pradesh. He asked MPs to continuously explore what more the state could achieve through central funding. In particular, he highlighted special packages for North Andhra and Rayalaseema as key demands. He also instructed MPs to raise irrigation projects under the Purvodaya scheme, with priority given to Polavaram and Nallamala Sagar.
The Chief Minister also reminded MPs to follow alliance discipline in Parliament. He stressed that coordinated efforts would strengthen the state’s position during crucial discussions in the Budget Session.
Parliamentary party meeting sets agenda
Earlier, Chandrababu Naidu chaired a Telugu Desam Parliamentary Party meeting along with Minister Nara Lokesh. During the meeting, they guided MPs on issues to raise and strategies to follow in Parliament. Discussions focused on the South Coast Railway Zone, implementation of bifurcation promises, education, healthcare, and national highways. The party also decided to invite Jana Sena and BJP MPs to future meetings to ensure better coordination among alliance partners.
Naidu informed MPs that railway lines and national highway projects worth nearly ₹1 lakh crore are currently under construction in the state. Therefore, he asked them to push for faster completion. He also advised a practical approach to irrigation projects, stressing that all such works should be completed under the Purvodaya framework to protect Andhra Pradesh’s long-term interests.
