A special session of the Andhra Pradesh state legislative assembly commenced on Saturday morning, with chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu introducing a crucial resolution seeking statutory recognition for Amaravati as the official capital of the state.
The special session was convened exclusively to deliberate on and adopt a resolution urging the Union government to amend the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2014, in order to provide a firm legal foundation for Amaravati as the state capital. Once passed, the resolution will be formally sent to the Centre.
What is interesting is that Naidu moved the resolution at exactly 11:11 a.m., a timing that immediately triggered a curious discussion in the media circles as to why the chief minister had chosen that particular time, though it does not have any auspicious significance.
Needless to say, analysts are attributing the decision of Naidu to chose the time only to take potshots at YSR Congress party, which was reduced to just 11 seats in the 2024 assembly elections, and has chosen to boycott the state assembly.
Though there was no official word about the decision to choose only 11.11 am to introduce the resolution, it is quite obvious the move carries a message that it is aimed at taking a dig at the opposition led by Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy.
“The message is clear. The government is not only seeking to restore and protect Amaravati through legal means, but also underlining the political rejection of the party that had attempted to alter its status and hence, was reduced to 11 members in the assembly,” an analyst said.
Introducing the resolution, Naidu said the long-pending uncertainty over the capital issue could be addressed only by securing legal clarity and statutory protection through suitable amendments to the Reorganisation Act.
As part of the proposed changes, the Assembly resolved to urge the Centre to amend Section 5 of the Act by inserting the words “at Amaravati” in sub-section (2).
It also proposed expanding the explanation to make it clear that Amaravati would include the areas notified under the Andhra Pradesh Capital Region Development Authority Act, 2014.
The move is aimed at ensuring that Amaravati’s status as the capital cannot be easily altered by future governments through executive or legislative manoeuvring at the state level.
The Assembly resolution marks a major step in the TDP-led coalition government’s effort to give Amaravati a more durable legal framework after years of political uncertainty and litigation surrounding the capital issue.
Sources said the Centre is likely to introduce a corresponding amendment bill in Parliament on April 2, if the state’s resolution is adopted and forwarded without delay.
Concluding his speech, the chief minister appealed to all members of the House to deliberate on the resolution seriously and extend their full support, describing it as a measure intended to safeguard the long-term interests of Andhra Pradesh.