The politics of uncertainty must end in Amaravati

Ina democracy, the Opposition has a vital responsibility. It must question the government where necessary, while also supporting initiatives that serve the larger public interest. Unfortunately, the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) has chosen a different path. After facing a decisive electoral rejection, it continues to target Amaravati, the capital city that represents the aspirations of Andhra Pradesh. At a time when Amaravati is witnessing renewed momentum, attempts are once again being made to create uncertainty and stall its progress.

The YSRCP’s changing stand on Amaravati reflects a striking case of political inconsistency. Following the bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh in 2014, when Amaravati was selected as the state’s capital, Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy, then Leader of the Opposition, extended unequivocal support to the decision in the Assembly. He even argued that at least 30,000 acres should be assembled for the capital’s development.

However, after assuming office in 2019, the same leadership reversed its position. Ignoring its earlier commitment and the aspirations of millions of people, the government introduced the controversial proposal of three capitals under the banner of administrative decentralisation. The result was not decentralisation but prolonged uncertainty that weakened investor confidence and delayed the state’s development. The biggest victims were the thousands of farmers who voluntarily pooled their fertile lands to build the capital.

Instead of honouring their sacrifice, the previous government subjected them to years of uncertainty. Peaceful protests were met with police action, and even women farmers faced arrests. A project that symbolised the rebuilding of Andhra Pradesh became a victim of political experimentation.

The people delivered a clear verdict in the 2024 Assembly elections. YSRCP was reduced to just eleven seats. Yet, instead of accepting the mandate and moving forward, sections of its leadership continue to revive controversies surrounding Amaravati. The latest narrative, popularly referred to as the “Mavigan” issue, appears to be another attempt to create confusion among farmers, investors and the public, with the sole objective of delaying the capital’s progress.

The NDA coalition government in Andhra Pradesh, comprising the Jana Sena Party, the Telugu Desam Party and the Bharatiya Janata Party, has therefore adopted a long-term approach to ensure that such uncertainty never returns. Learning from the mistakes of the past, the coalition has worked to provide Amaravati with stronger legal and institutional protection. The objective is simple: to ensure that no future government can arbitrarily alter the capital’s status or derail its development.

This framework has been achieved through sustained coordination between the state and the Union Government. The continuous efforts of Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and Deputy Chief Minister and Jana Sena President Pawan Kalyan have played a key role in securing long-term policy stability for Amaravati. Such certainty is essential for infrastructure development, investor confidence and sustained economic growth. Legal and policy stability are critical prerequisites for attracting both domestic and international investment.

Financial institutions are naturally more willing to support projects backed by continuity and credibility. The renewed engagement of institutions such as the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank reflects growing confidence in Amaravati’s future and in Andhra Pradesh’s development trajectory.

Amaravati is not merely an administrative capital. It is envisioned as a global knowledge and economic hub that will drive employment, innovation and investment for decades.

World-class educational institutions, technology parks, healthcare facilities and modern infrastructure will together transform it into a major growth centre for southern India. Equally important is the coalition government’s commitment to the farmers who made Amaravati possible.

Their rights, rehabilitation and promised benefits remain central to the rebuilding process. The government is working to ensure timely allocation of returnable plots, completion of infrastructure and fulfilment of every commitment made to land contributors.

For Andhra Pradesh’s Members of Parliament, this strengthened legal framework also provides greater confidence while securing support from the Union Government for infrastructure, rail connectivity, national highways and other strategic investments. Amaravati now has the opportunity to evolve beyond a state capital and emerge as one of India’s most significant economic engines.

Today, the uncertainty that overshadowed Amaravati is gradually giving way to optimism. With the Union and State Governments working together, Andhra Pradesh has once again embarked on the path of reconstruction and development. The democratic will of the people has reaffirmed that progress cannot be held hostage to political expediency.

At this crucial moment, I appeal to the people of Andhra Pradesh, particularly the residents of the capital region, to remain vigilant against campaigns that seek to obstruct this historic project through misinformation and manufactured controversies. The lessons of the past five years are clear. Policy instability carries enormous economic and social costs, while consistency and vision create lasting prosperity.

Amaravati represents far more than government buildings. It symbolises the aspirations, resilience and self-respect of Andhra Pradesh. Protecting that vision is a collective responsibility. By rising above partisan politics and remaining committed to long-term development, we can ensure that Amaravati becomes the thriving capital envisioned by its people and a powerful driver of India’s growth story.

(The writer is Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha), Jana Sena Party)