1,631-day-long protest by ryots called off
C Pradeep Kumar
cpk007@gmail.com
Vijayawada
In a historic moment of triumph, farmers of Amaravati, who gave up their lands for the dream of a world-class capital, have ended their 1,631-day-long protest, as the new government reinstates Amaravati as the sole capital of Andhra Pradesh. With development works under the Amaravati ReSTART programme set to begin today (May 2) in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the region is once again abuzz with hope.
The Amaravati story began in 2014, when Andhra Pradesh, freshly bifurcated, sought a centrally located capital. The then chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu identified land between Guntur and Krishna districts. The response from local farmers was extraordinary. Through the innovative Land Pooling Scheme (LPS), nearly 34,000 acres were voluntarily contributed — an unparalleled instance of public participation in infrastructure building. In return, farmers were promised developed plots and yearly compensation.
The vision took off with PM Modi laying the foundation stone on October 22, 2014. In just four years, core infrastructure began taking shape and promises to farmers were upheld. But the journey faced a major setback in 2019 when the previous government headed by YS Jagan Mohan Reddy announced a three-capital plan, proposing Visakhapatnam as the Executive Capital, Amaravati as the Legislative Capital and Kurnool as the Judicial Capital. Citing high costs and regional imbalance, the decision abruptly halted work in Amaravati and shattered the trust of thousands of farmers.
Unfazed, the farmers launched a peaceful protest that became one of the longest democratic movements in Indian history. Braving hardship, intimidation and roadblocks, they stood firm, united by the slogan “Jai Amaravati.”
Now, five years later, a shift in political leadership has rekindled hope. A pro-Amaravati coalition has taken charge, reviving the vision of a world-class people’s capital. The announcement of the Amaravati ReSTART programme, scheduled to commence in the presence of Prime Minister Modi on Friday (May 2), marks a turning point.
Their silent strength has not only reclaimed a capital, but rekindled the promise of people-driven progress in Andhra Pradesh.
