Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi

New Delhi, Apr 2: On April 2 in New Delhi, Andhra Pradesh’s minister for human resources development Nara Lokesh, accompanied by NDA Members of Parliament, met Prime Minister Narendra Modi to express appreciation for the passage of the Amaravati Bill in Parliament. The legislation grants formal statutory recognition to Amaravati as the state’s sole and permanent capital.

During the meeting, Lokesh—who also serves as the general secretary of the Telugu Desam Party—honoured the Prime Minister with a ceremonial shawl and conveyed the collective gratitude of Andhra Pradesh’s citizens. Sharing his thoughts later, he described the interaction as an honour and emphasized the significance of the Bill’s approval.

He also highlighted the resilience and sacrifices of local farmers, who contributed their lands and endured years of uncertainty to support the vision of Amaravati. Lokesh noted that he sought the Prime Minister’s continued support in transforming the city into a globally competitive capital in recognition of their efforts.

Following this, Lokesh and NDA MPs met Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, thanking him for facilitating the smooth passage of the Bill. The delegation included Civil Aviation Minister K. Ram Mohan Naidu, Minister of State for Rural Development Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani, and representatives from TDP, Jana Sena, and BJP.

Earlier in the day, Lokesh also interacted with NDA MPs, acknowledging their steadfast support for the state and its farmers as the Bill progressed through Parliament.

The Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill, 2026, was approved in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday and is expected to be taken up in the Rajya Sabha shortly, where it is likely to receive unanimous backing. Lokesh is currently in the national capital to observe the proceedings.

As part of his visit, he is also scheduled to meet Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan, who also chairs the Rajya Sabha, to convey appreciation on behalf of the people of Andhra Pradesh.

The amendment revises Section 5 of the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2014, replacing the phrase “a new capital” with a definitive declaration that Amaravati shall be the capital. This change firmly anchors Amaravati within the legal framework.

The move follows a unanimous resolution passed by the Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly on March 28, which paved the way for introducing the Bill in Parliament.