Amaravati, April 2 Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, on Thursday, joined the celebration by farmers of Amaravati after a Bill to give statutory status to Amaravati as the sole and permanent capital of Andhra Pradesh was passed by the Parliament.
The Chief Minister along with his wife Nara Bhuvaneswari participated in Deepa Harathi ceremony Uddandarayunipalem, the site where the foundation stone for the capital was laid by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2015.
Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu kneeled down as a mark of respect at the foundation stone site. He inspected the foundation plaque and performed puja.
Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister said that Amaravati has now received irreversible legal status as the capital of Andhra Pradesh through the Bill passed in Parliament.
He called it a historic moment, honouring the will of the people.
"The success of Amaravati will be written in golden letters in the history of India. The sacrifices of farmers who gave their land will remain eternal," he said.
The Telugu Desam Party (TDP) Chief claimed that after facing numerous conspiracies, "we have reclaimed our capital."
Amaravati now has permanent legal backing -- an identity for the state that was missing until now, Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu said.
He also recalled the support extended by state leaders like Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan during the agitation.
The Chief Minister expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah and leaders of all political parties that supported the Bill.
He said Amaravati is not just a capital, it is a symbol of Telugu pride and self-respect.
He revealed that the Prime Minister is expected to visit Amaravati again to inaugurate few projects once construction is completed.
Strongly criticising the Opposition, particularly the YSR Congress Party, the Chief Minister said they walked out during crucial discussions on the capital and failed to support resolution even in the Assembly.
The event was attended by Ministers and public representatives.
Earlier, farmers and women accorded warm welcome to the Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu and his wife Nara Bhuvaneswari.
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