'No one can touch Amaravati' : AP Assembly declares it sole capital, Naidu targets Jagan

Amaravati: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Saturday asserted that Amaravati will remain the state’s “people’s capital,” stating that granting it legal status would eliminate any future uncertainty.

Addressing the Assembly, he emphasized the historical, cultural, and economic significance of Amaravati while sharply criticizing the previous YSRCP government over its handling of the capital issue.

Push for legal backing to Amaravati

Naidu said the Assembly’s resolution seeking legal status for Amaravati would ensure long-term stability for the capital. He noted that the proposal would be sent to the Centre, and once approved by Parliament, it would become law.

Historical and cultural significance highlighted

The Chief Minister underlined Amaravati’s historical importance, stating that the Satavahanas once ruled from the region and that the city’s legacy is recognized globally, including in the British Museum.

He also referred to the sacrifice of Potti Sriramulu, which led to the formation of India’s first linguistic state, and reflected on how earlier decisions about the capital could have shaped Andhra Pradesh differently.

Telugu identity and development narrative

Naidu spoke about the evolution of Telugu identity, recalling that Telugus were once referred to as “Madrasis.” He credited N.T. Rama Rao and the formation of the Telugu Desam Party for strengthening regional pride.

He also highlighted the role of economic reforms introduced by former Prime Minister P.V. Narasimha Rao in 1991, which the state leveraged to drive growth, particularly in the IT sector.

The chief minister noted that Hyderabad emerged as a major economic hub, contributing significantly to Telangana’s revenues, and said the foundations laid in the past continue to benefit the present generation.

Post-bifurcation challenges

Recalling the period after Andhra Pradesh’s bifurcation, Naidu said the state faced severe administrative challenges, including the lack of infrastructure.

He claimed that governance was initially run from buses and that within nine months, key buildings such as the Secretariat and Assembly were constructed.

The chief minister also reiterated his vision of building Amaravati as a world-class capital, even better than Singapore, and stressed the need for unity among Telugu people.

Criticism of YSRCP and three capitals proposal

The Chief Minister accused YSRCP chief Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy changed his stance on Amaravati after coming to power. He described the three-capital proposal as a “conspiracy” and said it was rejected in the Legislative Council and later scrutinized by the High Court.

Naidu alleged that attempts were made to stall Amaravati’s development, including writing to international agencies like the World Bank to withhold funding and creating a negative narrative about the capital region.

Farmers’ contribution and development plans

Highlighting public support, Naidu said farmers voluntarily pooled around 33,000 acres of land for Amaravati within 58 days without disputes. He described Amaravati as a self-sustaining project that would fulfill people’s aspirations once completed.

He added that works worth ₹56,000 crore are currently underway and expressed confidence that most of the capital’s development would be completed by 2028.

Law and Order concerns

Referring to recent incidents, including multiple fire accidents in Amaravati, Naidu said a Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been constituted to probe the matter. He warned of strict action against anyone attempting to create unrest in the capital region.

Strong political remarks

In a sharp attack on YSRCP, Naidu said the party had betrayed Andhra Pradesh and claimed its political decline, from 151 seats to 11, was a result of its actions. He reiterated that Andhra Pradesh would have only one capital, Amaravati, and asserted that “no one can touch it.”

Resolution passed unanimously

Speaker Ayyanna Patrudu announced that the Assembly had unanimously passed the resolution granting legal backing to Amaravati as the state capital. The resolution will now be forwarded to the Centre for further approval.