Even as all those who were against the move by the Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy’s move to have three capitals for the state instead of Amaravati are getting to celebratory mode, they are likely in for a disappointment! Yes, it looks like the CM has other plans in mind than having Amaravati as the capital!
If one were to accept the latest news coming from sources in ruling YSR Congress Party (YSRCP), the state government has decided on withdrawal of three capitals bill, and will have only one capital which will be the headquarters for all activities in the state. Though this move is very encouraging, but what is in the mind of Jagan? Is he planning to continue with Amaravati-Vijayawada- Velagapudi or does he have a surprise up his sleeve?
AP government had passed two crucial bills in 2020 – AP Decentralisation and Inclusive Development of all Regions (3 Capitals Bill) and CRDA Repeal. It is now understood that the AP State Advocate General has informed the three-bench High Court of AP that both these bills are withdrawn. Now it is matter of time for formal announcement to be made in the state assembly and it is being told that CM Jagan will be formally announcing it at 2.30 pm today!
Jagan had introduced the bill that originally proposed to establish three capitals in the state namely Visakhaptanam, Amaravati and Kurnool which will serve as Executive, Administration and Judicial Capitals respectively. There have been widespread rejections and protests against the decision of the CM. The protesting farmers now have gone on Mahapadayatra and presently it is in Nellore district’s Kavali region. Moreover the state Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders too have joined the yatra and are trying to lead the momentum against three capitals as well as to keep Amaravati as the only capital.
If one were to believe the voices heard at YSRCP office, it is being said that Jagan would give a clarification to the announcement made by the AP Advocate General in High Court today and he will be announcing the withdrawal of three capitals bill. But interestingly it is being said that the CM will be announcing Visakhapatnam as the only capital.
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This move of making Visakhapatanam as the capital will jeopardise the plans of opposition Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and BJP who have been openly supporting the Amaravati farmers. The farmers have been protesting for over a year against the move to have three capitals and to have only Amaravati as the only capital city of AP. In order to snub the opposition and not gain any kind of advantage over the issue, Jagan seems to be planning to announce Visakhapatnam as the capital!
Also Read: Jagan to withdraw 3 Capitals bill: BJP infused decision?