Amaravati will be Andhra capital, no ‘3-capitals’ games: Chandrababu Naidu.
Telugu Desam Party chief N Chandrababu Naidu announced on Tuesday that Amaravati would be the state capital, one day before taking the oath of office as Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister.
In Short
- Chandrababu Naidu to be sworn in as Andhra Chief Minister
- Naidu says Amaravati would be the capital of Andhra Pradesh
- In 2019, Jagan Reddy had proposed Amaravati as the legislative capital
Telugu Desam Party chief N Chandrababu Naidu has said that Amaravati would be the capital of Andhra Pradesh, a day before taking oath as the state chief minister. Naidu vowed that Amaravati would be the sole capital of Andhra Pradesh and also promised to complete the Polavaram Project.
He added that Visakhapatnam will be developed as the economic capital and an advanced special city.
“Amaravati will be our capital. We will pursue constructive politics, and not politics of vendetta. Visakhapatnam will be the commercial capital of the state. We will not play games with people like trying to have three capitals and such devious activities.
Visakhapatnam has given a full mandate. We will develop Rayalaseema to give us a resounding mandate,” Chandrababu Naidu said.
Background
In 2014, Andhra Pradesh was bifurcated to form the new state of Telangana, with Hyderabad serving as the shared capital for both states for a ten-year transition period. To establish a new capital for Andhra Pradesh, the then Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu announced Amaravati as the new capital in 2015. Amaravati was envisioned as a world-class city, with plans for extensive infrastructure, administrative buildings, and residential complexes. The ambitious project aimed to foster economic growth and serve as a symbol of the new Andhra Pradesh.
The Three-Capitals Proposal
In 2019, Y. S. Jagan Mohan Reddy, the leader of the Yuvajana Sramika Rythu Congress Party (YSRCP), succeeded Naidu as Chief Minister. Reddy proposed a “three-capitals” plan, aiming to decentralize the state’s administrative functions. According to this plan, Visakhapatnam would be the executive capital, Amaravati the legislative capital, and Kurnool the judicial capital. This proposal was justified as a move to ensure balanced regional development and reduce congestion in a single city.
Naidu’s Stand
Naidu has consistently opposed the three-capitals plan, arguing that it would lead to administrative inefficiency, financial burdens, and developmental delays. He asserts that Amaravati, with its planned infrastructure and investments, is best suited to be the singular capital. Naidu emphasizes that the vision for Amaravati includes advanced facilities, international collaborations, and strategic urban planning, which would be undermined by the three-capitals approach.
In a recent public address, Naidu criticized the YSRCP government’s handling of the capital issue, accusing it of playing political games with the state’s future. He pointed out that significant investments and resources had already been allocated to Amaravati, and shifting focus to multiple capitals would waste these efforts and funds. Naidu argued that the idea of three capitals was impractical and would complicate governance.
Economic and Social Implications
The debate over the capital has significant economic and social implications. Proponents of Amaravati as the sole capital argue that it will attract investments, create jobs, and serve as a hub for education, health, and technology sectors. Farmers and landowners in the Amaravati region, who contributed land for the capital’s development, have also protested against the three-capitals plan, fearing devaluation of their lands and loss of promised benefits.
On the other hand, supporters of the three-capitals model claim it would promote equitable development across the state, preventing the concentration of resources in one area. They argue that this approach would lead to better distribution of government services and infrastructure.
Conclusion
The controversy over Andhra Pradesh’s capital is far from resolved, with strong opinions on both sides. Chandrababu Naidu’s recent statements reinforce his commitment to Amaravati as the sole capital, reflecting his broader vision for the state’s development. As the debate continues, the outcome will significantly impact Andhra Pradesh’s administrative efficiency, economic growth, and regional development. The state’s citizens and political leaders alike watch closely, aware that the decision will shape Andhra Pradesh’s future for decades to come.