Jagan must clear stand on Amaravati as the lone capital, says Lokesh

YSRCP president Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy must answer whether or not he is in favour of Amaravati as the lone and permanent capital of the Andhra Pradesh, demanded IT and HRD Minister Nara Lokesh on Saturday, while setting the tone for a charged debate in the Andhra Pradesh Assembly on a resolution seeking amendments to the A.P. Reorganisation Act. He was referring to the three-capital proposal mooted during the YSRCP’s tenure.

The special session, attended only by NDA members as the YSRCP boycotted proceedings, underscored the coalition’s resolve to seek a legal status for Amaravati as the permanent capital of the State.

“It is not just a motion but a history in the making. We must bow to the Amaravati farmers whose sacrifice enabled this House to function,” Mr. Lokesh said.

Referring to the three-capital proposal, he accused the previous YSRCP regime of reneging on its promise and demanded that the party should tender an apology to the farmers.

He alleged that the YSRCP leaders, including Mr. Jagan Mohan Reddy, deliberately remained absent in the House for this crucial debate and that they were answerable to public.

Agriculture Minister K. Atchannaidu recalled the turmoil during the three-capital Bill, stating, “We witnessed a dark day in the Legislative Council. The State suffered in the absence of a capital after bifurcation. Had we been voted to power in 2019, Amaravati would not have been destroyed,” he said.

Civil Supplies Minister Nadendla Manohar said the resolution would remove the ‘technical hurdles in the Reorganisation Act’. “This is not for one region but for the entire State,” he said and emphasised the need for collective leadership to build Amaravati as a global city.

Health Minister Satya Kumar Yadav said, “It is a happy and unfortunate day as well. After 12 years, we are discussing legal status again due to the destruction done in the past. I am sure Amaravati will emerge as a growth engine with strong support from the Centre.”

Finance Minister Payyavula Keshav accused the previous YSRCP government of creating confusion. “Three-capital politics had driven investments away from the Sate. Amaravati will be rebuilt as the State’s economic engine,” he said.

Home Minister Vangalapudi Anitha highlighted the farmers’ struggle, especially women, stating, “The Amaravati movement is one of the largest after Independence,” and dedicated the resolution to their sacrifices.

Minister S. Savitha praised the farmers who gave away 34,000 acres for the capital city project. She accused the previous regime of ruining the State with its three-capital plan.

The Assembly forwarded the resolution to the Centre, reinforcing Amaravati’s position as Andhra Pradesh’s lone capital.