After Lok Sabha, Amravati Capital Bill Cleared In Rajya Sabha; CM Naidu Calls It 'Historic'

On a historic day for the state of Andhra Pradesh, the Rajya Sabha, the upper house of the Indian Parliament, passed the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Amendment Bill 2026 unanimously. This landmark decision solidifies Amaravati as the sole capital of the state, marking a significant milestone in the political and administrative history of the region.

The bill, which was first introduced in the Lok Sabha, the lower house, has now been cleared in the Rajya Sabha, following a unanimous vote. This move comes after years of deliberation and debate regarding the capital of Andhra Pradesh, a state that was reorganised in 2014 to create Telangana. The reorganisation led to a bifurcation of the original Andhra Pradesh, with Hyderabad becoming the capital of Telangana and Amaravati being designated as the temporary capital of the residual Andhra Pradesh.

The Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Amendment Bill 2026 seeks to amend the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2014, to make Amaravati the permanent and sole capital of Andhra Pradesh. The bill was introduced in the Lok Sabha by the Minister of Home Affairs, Amit Shah, who emphasised the importance of establishing a permanent capital for the state. The bill was then referred to the House Committee, which recommended its passage.

The Rajya Sabha, in a unanimous vote, passed the bill without any objections or amendments. This decision was welcomed by the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, Y. S. Jaganmohan Reddy, who termed it as a "historic" moment for the state. CM Reddy highlighted that the passage of the bill would provide a stable and permanent administrative structure to the state, ensuring efficient governance and development.

The bill's passage in the Rajya Sabha follows a long and complex process that began with the bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh in 2014. The reorganisation led to the creation of Telangana and the residual Andhra Pradesh, with Hyderabad as the capital of Telangana and Amaravati as the temporary capital of Andhra Pradesh. Since then, there have been ongoing discussions and negotiations regarding the permanent capital of Andhra Pradesh.

The Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Amendment Bill 2026 addresses these concerns by establishing Amaravati as the sole and permanent capital of the state. The bill also provides for the gradual transfer of all state institutions and offices from Hyderabad to Amaravati, ensuring a smooth transition and minimising disruptions.

The decision to make Amaravati the sole capital of Andhra Pradesh is seen as a significant step towards political and administrative stability in the region. It is expected to boost economic development and infrastructure projects in Amaravati, further solidifying its position as the state's administrative hub.

The unanimous passage of the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Amendment Bill 2026 in the Rajya Sabha is a testament to the consensus among political leaders and stakeholders in the state. It underscores the importance of having a permanent capital for effective governance and the need for a stable administrative structure in a state as diverse and populous as Andhra Pradesh.

In conclusion, the Rajya Sabha's unanimous passage of the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Amendment Bill 2026 marks a historic moment for the state. By firmly establishing Amaravati as the sole capital, the bill paves the way for a stable and efficient administrative framework, ensuring the continued growth and development of Andhra Pradesh. This decision is expected to have far-reaching implications for the state's political, economic, and social landscape, solidifying Amaravati's role as the heart of Andhra Pradesh's administration.