Lokesh Thanks Centre for Granting Legal Status to Amaravati

VIJAYAWADA: Education and IT minister Nara Lokesh met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi on Thursday and expressed the state’s gratitude to him following passage of the Amaravati Capital Bill in the Lok Sabha.

Describing the moment as historic, Lokesh thanked the PM for his leadership and commitment in ensuring the bill’s approval, which grants legal status to Amaravati as the sole capital of Andhra Pradesh. He acknowledged the Centre’s pivotal role in mobilising support across political parties, enabling passage of the legislation with a full majority.

Lokesh termed the occasion a “historic and unforgettable day,” describing it a victory for “the five crore Andhra people, farmers, and the women of the capital region.”

Later, addressing the media in New Delhi, Lokesh said the legislation marked a turning point in AP’s post-bifurcation journey. He recalled the challenges AP faced after the 2014 division, including the absence of a capital, secretariat, assembly and high court. He also criticised the bifurcation process as “unscientific and painful,” alleging inadequate parliamentary debate at the time.

Highlighting the origins of Amaravati, Lokesh praised chief minister Chandrababu Naidu for identifying it as a centrally located capital and promoting a vision of decentralised development. He noted that thousands of farmers had voluntarily contributed land under a pooling system, driven by assurances from multiple political stakeholders.

Lokesh accused the previous government led by YS Jagan Mohan Reddy of creating uncertainty through its proposed three-capital policy, which triggered protests from farmers and women in the Amaravati region.

He said the NDA government, after assuming power, passed a unanimous resolution in the state assembly reaffirming Amaravati as the sole capital, which was subsequently endorsed by Parliament with broad national support. He thanked both PM Modi and home minister Amit Shah for facilitating the bill’s passage.”

Emphasising the significance of the legal backing, Lokesh asserted that Amaravati’s status was now secure and irreversible. “No one can alter Amaravati’s position as the capital,” he said, adding that the move would accelerate development and restore investor confidence.

Lokesh also outlined ambitious plans for the capital’s growth, including completing the major construction phases within two years, developing a world-class sports city, and establishing major infrastructure such as an international-standard airport. He expressed hope that the prime minister would inaugurate the capital upon the completion of the present works.

Reiterating the government’s vision, Lokesh said Amaravati would be built not for individuals but for the future of Andhra Pradesh, ensuring balanced development across all regions of the state.