New Delhi, April 1 Union Minister Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani on Wednesday described the passage of the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill, 2026 in the Lok Sabha as a "watershed moment" in the state's journey.
In a statement issued here, Pemmasani said that by conferring legal sanctity on Amaravati as the sole capital, the Bill removes a long-standing structural uncertainty that has impacted governance, investment, and growth.
"The absence of a clearly designated capital over the past several years led to administrative ambiguity, delays in infrastructure execution, and diminished investor confidence. The amendment provides a clear, stable, and forward-looking framework, reaffirming the vision of a single, world-class capital in alignment with the original spirit of the state's reorganisation," he said.
The minister highlighted the extraordinary sacrifices of farmers and women who stood at the forefront of the Amaravati movement.
"Over 29,000 farmers voluntarily entrusted more than 34,000 acres of their ancestral land to the state and endured prolonged uncertainty due to shifting policy directions. Women and local communities who led peaceful protests faced significant hardship and adversity. Yet, for over 1,600 days, the movement remained resolute, disciplined, and non-violent, emerging as a powerful symbol of democratic resilience," he said.
He asserted that the Bill is not merely a legal correction, but a moral reaffirmation, "restoring dignity, justice, and trust among those who made unparalleled sacrifices for the state's future".
Pemmasani added that the capital is envisaged as a global-standard city and the principal growth engine of Andhra Pradesh. With 91 major infrastructure projects worth over Rs 56,000 crore already underway, supported by leading national and international institutions, the formal recognition of Amaravati is expected to accelerate investments, generate large-scale employment, and significantly enhance the state's economic trajectory.
He emphasised that the Amaravati model, built on voluntary land pooling, stands as a pioneering example of participatory and inclusive development, where farmers have become stakeholders in the state's urban future. This innovative approach has drawn national attention as a replicable framework for equitable growth, according to Pemmasani.
The minister also highlighted the critical role of capital cities in driving economic performance, noting that major cities contribute a substantial share to their respective state economies.
"With Amaravati as its nucleus, Andhra Pradesh is poised to emerge as a dynamic hub of governance, commerce, and innovation," he said.
He added that the landmark legislation reflects the "decisive leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the visionary planning of Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, and the pivotal support of Union Home Minister Amit Shah".
The Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill, 2026, seeking to recognise Amaravati as the sole and permanent capital of Andhra Pradesh, was passed by the Lok Sabha on Wednesday.
The Bill, which will scuttle any future bid to alter the decision of making Amaravati the sole and permanent capital, was passed in the Lok Sabha by a voice vote.