Criticism is intensifying that Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu has turned Amaravati into a capital of contradictions. Over the years, he has alternated between projecting Amaravati as a world‑class megacity and downplaying it as a municipality‑level town, leaving farmers and citizens confused about its true future.
A Capital of Changing Words
From calling Amaravati a global megacity to suggesting it could remain a municipality, Chandrababu’s statements have frequently shifted. At different times, he has spoken of Hyperloop, bullet trains and international airports, while at others he has narrowed the scope to limited local development. Analysts say this lack of consistency has prevented a clear long‑term vision for the capital.
Global Promises, Local Vacuum
Between 2014 and 2019, Chandrababu repeatedly claimed that every foreign visit would bring new technology to Amaravati, from Singapore to America. These announcements were amplified widely. Yet, critics note that not a single major promise from that phase was substantially grounded on the field.
Eighteen months, little movement
After returning to power in 2024, expectations of decisive action rose. But even after eighteen months, returnable plots have not been distributed, registrations remain incomplete, and even the earlier 50,000 acres lack basic facilities. Despite this, the government has moved toward another round of land pooling, triggering strong resistance.
Farmers in distress
Village assemblies and land‑acquisition meetings have echoed with protests. Farmers stated that repeated appeals go unheard, and that their future has been pushed into permanent uncertainty. Critics describe the capital region today as a “Trishanku’s heaven”, suspended between promise and reality.
From Hyperloop to Hype
Hyperloop corridors, bullet trains, international airports and foreign technologies once dominated Amaravati’s publicity. Today, these claims are increasingly being described as hype, with little tangible progress to match the grand announcements.
Iron hand against dissent
Reports of intimidation, suppression of movements and action against questioning farmers are being cited as serious stains on democratic functioning in the capital region.
Self‑Finance City or Debt‑Driven Capital?
While the government projects Amaravati as a self‑finance city, thousands of crores in borrowings tell a different story, critics argue. Under the banner of mobilisation advances, priority is allegedly being given to select works, while farmers continue to face uncertainty, distress and unmet assurances.
