Renuka Chowdhury raises Amaravati issue, criticises Centre in Rajya Sabha
Remarks on Amaravati spark debate
Congress MP Renuka Chowdhury made sharp remarks on Andhra Pradesh’s capital Amaravati during a discussion in the Rajya Sabha on Thursday. Participating in the debate on the Amaravati legality Bill, she said she had earlier suggested to the former Chief Minister to either “name it Amaravati” or call it “Kammaravati.”
Her comments drew attention amid the ongoing discussion over the status and development of the state capital. The statement was made in the context of political and social concerns linked to the capital region.
Criticism of delay in discussing bifurcation issues
Chowdhury expressed concern that the House was debating matters related to the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act after a gap of 12 years. She termed the delay unfortunate and questioned the timing of the discussion on long-pending issues arising from the bifurcation.
She argued that several provisions under the Act had not been addressed adequately even after more than a decade. The remarks came during a broader debate on implementation gaps and pending commitments.
Allegations of Centre’s neglect
The Congress leader criticised the Central government for what she described as serious neglect in implementing provisions of the bifurcation law. She said that commitments related to Amaravati and other assurances given at the time of state division had not been fulfilled.
Chowdhury also extended her criticism to Telangana, alleging that the Centre continued to ignore key projects in the state. She said the lack of attention to these projects reflected a broader pattern of inaction.
Context of Amaravati dispute
Amaravati has remained a politically sensitive issue in Andhra Pradesh since its announcement as the capital following the state’s bifurcation in 2014. Debates over its development, legal status, and regional equity have continued to feature in both state and national discussions.
The Rajya Sabha debate reflects the continuing political contest over the implementation of the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act and the future of the capital region.