Amaravati Protests Conclude After 5 Years as Andhra Pradesh Retains Single Capital
The 2019–2024 Amaravati protests, which spanned over five years, officially concluded on June 12, 2024, following the announcement by Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy that Amaravati will remain the sole capital of the state. The decision came after Reddy was sworn in for his fourth term, marking the end of a prolonged struggle by farmers and residents against the government's proposal to decentralize the capital into three cities: Amaravati, Visakhapatnam, and Kurnool.
The protests began on December 18, 2019, when the Andhra Pradesh government proposed the three-capital plan, citing financial constraints and the need for decentralized development. Farmers in the Amaravati region, who had given up 33,000 acres of fertile land for the capital's development, feared that the decentralization would lead to economic instability and loss of livelihood. The protests quickly spread across the state, with thousands of farmers, laborers, and political groups joining the movement.
Over the years, the protests saw significant milestones, including a 1,000-day mark in September 2022 and a High Court ruling in March 2022 that directed the government to develop Amaravati as the sole capital. However, the state government appealed the decision, leading to a stay by the Supreme Court. The final resolution came after Reddy's recent announcement, which aligned with the demands of the protesters.
The protests, which resulted in 58 deaths and over 200 injuries, were marked by widespread demonstrations, road blockades, and rallies. The movement also received support from various political parties, including the Telugu Desam Party, Janasena Party, and BJP, as well as international organizations representing the Indian diaspora.
With the conclusion of the protests, the focus now shifts to the development of Amaravati as a world-class capital city. The government has pledged to prioritize infrastructure projects and ensure the welfare of the farmers who contributed their land for the capital's development.
