12-Year Wait Over: Amaravati Gets Official Status as Andhra Pradesh’s Capital.
On April 6, a Gazette notification was signed under the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation (Amendment) Act, 2026, formally granting legal approval to a decision that had been awaited since the state’s bifurcation in 2014. According to the notification, Amaravati will be officially recognized as the capital of Andhra Pradesh, with retrospective effect from June 2, 2024.
After years of uncertainty, Amaravati has been officially declared the capital of Andhra Pradesh. On April 6, a Gazette notification was signed under the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation (Amendment) Act, 2026, giving legal confirmation to a decision that had been awaited since the state’s bifurcation in Andhra Pradesh Bifurcation 2014.
According to the notification, Amaravati will be recognized as the official capital with retrospective effect from June 2, 2024. The move ensures administrative continuity and formally validates the decision to establish Amaravati as the center of governance.
With this announcement, the 12-year period of uncertainty following the formation of Telangana and the arrangement that made Hyderabad a temporary joint capital has now officially come to an end.
CM Naidu Confirms Development
Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu confirmed the development on X, stating, “Amaravati is the capital of Andhra Pradesh.” The announcement followed the passage of the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation (Amendment) Act in Parliament.
The new law amends the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2014, explicitly stating that “Amaravati shall be the new capital,” thereby replacing the earlier provision that allowed Hyderabad to serve as a temporary joint capital for both states.
Legislative Process
The decision gained momentum after the Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly passed a resolution supporting Amaravati as the capital on March 28. Following this, the bill was approved by the Lok Sabha on April 1 and later passed by the Rajya Sabha on April 2.
CM Expresses Gratitude
Naidu thanked the national leadership for supporting the decision. He expressed gratitude to Droupadi Murmu for giving assent to the law and to Narendra Modi for his guidance.
“This is a victory for the people of Andhra Pradesh, especially for the farmers of Amaravati,” Naidu said.
Opposition Raises Concerns
While many welcomed the move, opposition voices questioned the decision. Golla Babu Rao criticized the law, calling it “a drama” and argued that any decision regarding the state capital should address the interests of all sections of society.
National News in Hindi