Lokesh thanks PM Modi
Amaravati: IT &HRD Minister Nara Lokesh on Thursday called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi to thank him for the central government's role in securing legal status for Amaravati as the state's sole and permanent capital. Lokesh expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the Prime Minister for his leadership and commitment in ensuring the passage of the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill, 2026. The Minister also acknowledged the Union government's pivotal role in bringing together support from across political parties in favour of Andhra Pradesh. The Bill, passed by the Lok Sabha on April 1 with support from the BJP, Congress and TDP, got the Rajya Sabha's nod on Thursday.
The YSRCP opposed the Bill and walked out. Later, Lokesh welcomed the Rajya Sabha’s approval of the bill designating Amaravati as the state capital, describing it as a moment of “immense satisfaction.” Speaking in New Delhi, Lokesh said Andhra Pradesh was left without a capital after bifurcation in 2014, following which Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu identified Amaravati as the capital with broad political support. He noted that even YS Jagan Mohan Reddy had supported Amaravati at the time.
He said thousands of farmers voluntarily pooled their land for the capital, trusting assurances that Amaravati would remain unchanged. Lokesh alleged that after coming to power in 2019, the YSRCP leadership reversed its position, causing distress to farmers. He further alleged that farmers were subjected to police action and legal cases during protests, claiming that agitation in the capital region continued for 1,631 days, with prohibitory orders under Section 144 in force for prolonged periods. Lokesh said the 2024 electoral verdict reflected public rejection of the three-capitals proposal and reaffirmed Amaravati as the sole capital. He thanked members across parties in both Houses of Parliament for supporting the bill, stating that the move reflects national backing for the capital. Highlighting progress, the Minister said tenders for works worth Rs50,000 crore in Amaravati have been finalised, with a target to complete Phase-1 within two years. He added that the State has already received Rs18,000 crore in assistance from the Centre. Outlining the vision ahead, Lokesh said Amaravati will be developed as a world-class city with three economic zones, focusing on sectors such as SRM, quantum computing, data centres, education, IT and industry. He expressed confidence that Amaravati would emerge as a major growth engine for Andhra Pradesh, attracting investments and generating employment opportunities.
