YS Sharmila: Amaravati’s law is ready, but Funding is still missing

YS Sharmila , Andhra Pradesh Congress Committee president, welcomed the state assembly’s resolution granting legal recognition to Amaravati as the state capital. She criticized the state government for its approach to securing financial support from the Central Government under the Andhra Pradesh Reorganization Act .

Speaking on Saturday, Sharmila said Amaravati’s construction cannot rely on gazette notifications alone and questioned why the government has not urgently sought central funds under Section 94(3) of the Act. She highlighted that the nearly ₹1,000 crore required for Amaravati’s development should not be imposed on the public.

Sharmila also dismissed the foundation rituals performed during Amaravati’s groundbreaking , such as pouring water and soil, calling them purely symbolic gestures that do not contribute to actual development. She demanded a clear commitment in the assembly for the Centre to take full responsibility for the capital’s construction.

Meanwhile, the YSR Congress Party described the resolution as a “political drama” aimed at diverting public attention. Senior leader Sajjala Ramakrishna Reddy clarified that his party is not against Amaravati but urged citizens to note past corruption, excessive expenditure, and lack of progress.

While Amaravati gains statutory recognition, the bigger challenge remains securing the necessary funding, keeping Andhra Pradesh politics intensely heated.