Rajya Sabha clears Amaravati Bill

Metro India News | amaravati

In a landmark legislative development, the Rajya Sabha on Thursday approved the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill, 2026, granting statutory status to Amaravati as the sole capital of Andhra Pradesh. The Bill, which had already been cleared by the Lok Sabha, was passed in the Upper House through a voice vote following an extensive debate, effectively completing Parliament’s approval process.

The legislation was introduced in the Rajya Sabha by Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai. Congress MP Renuka Chowdhury initiated the discussion, while members from multiple parties participated in the nearly two-hour debate. While the Bill received broad support from across party lines, YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) MPs staged a walkout during the proceedings, reiterating their opposition.

In total, 17 MPs from 11 parties spoke on the Bill, with representatives from 10 parties backing the amendment, reflecting a wide political consensus. Following its passage, Rajya Sabha Chairman C.P. Radhakrishnan extended his greetings to the people of Andhra Pradesh, expressing hope that Amaravati would prosper with divine blessings.

With both Houses of Parliament clearing the Bill, it now awaits Presidential assent to become law. The amendment replaces the earlier provision of “a new capital” in the 2014 Reorganisation Act with a definitive clause naming Amaravati as the capital, thereby providing long-awaited legal clarity.

Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu termed the development a historic day for Andhra Pradesh, stating that the approval marks the end of uncertainty surrounding the capital issue. Addressing NDA leaders via teleconference, he credited the Centre’s support for making the legislation possible and called for statewide celebrations to mark the occasion.

With Presidential approval pending, the Bill is set to formally end the prolonged capital dispute and anchor Amaravati as Andhra Pradesh’s undisputed administrative centre.