Amaravati as capital of Andhra has nationwide support, except YSRCP: CM Naidu
Amaravati (PTI): Despite alleged conspiracies orchestrated by the opposition YSRCP, Amaravati's status as the capital of Andhra Pradesh has received unanimous support from the country, Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu said on Friday.
Addressing a press conference, Naidu asserted that after receiving the central government's sovereign seal, no one can alter the status of the capital city in the future.
"They (YSRCP) wanted to destroy Amaravati, but we brought a law. Today, the entire country stands behind Amaravati. Overcoming all conspiracies, Amaravati has emerged victorious."
The Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill, 2026, making Amaravati the capital of the southern state, was passed by the Parliament.
He claimed that letters were written to the World Bank, opposing Amaravati and false narratives were spread against the project, including claims about its viability and safety.
Alleging that such actions were aimed at "damaging" the capital, he said that similar attempts were continuing.
"The dreams of five crore people have been fulfilled with the help of the Centre's sovereign seal. Nobody will be able to change anything in the future," he said.
Noting that there are 50 parties in both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, he said, "Despite ideological and personal differences, and no direct connection to Andhra Pradesh's capital, they all supported the Amaravati Bill to safeguard the interests of the country."
Naidu attacked the opposition party, alleging that it has no sense of national interest and is not concerned about Andhra Pradesh's progress.
He expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah for the passage of the Amaravati Bill in Parliament.
The CM said PM Modi had laid the foundation stone for Amaravati in line with the Singapore master plan.
He further said that PM, who had originally laid the foundation stone and later returned to relaunch construction activities, is expected to inaugurate the major projects in Amaravati in 2029.
"Soil from temples and places of worship across the country, along with water from various rivers, was brought for the project, while the prime minister gave soil from Parliament and water from the Yamuna," Naidu said.
The chief minister emphasised that this symbolic act reflected the support of Parliament and the entire nation for Amaravati.
He said the government's vision involves a cluster of nine cities with world-class infrastructure, designed by global architects to ensure long-term development.
To achieve this, the design integrates urban planning concepts such as clean and green infrastructure, underground utilities, and walk-to-work systems.
According to him, an agreement was signed with Singapore for developing the financial district, but it was later cancelled by the previous YSRCP regime, which also damaged the Amaravati brand.
Investments were attracted, with educational institutions establishing campuses, and land allocated to over 100 institutions.
Works progressing at a fast pace were halted, and the three-capital policy created divisions among regions, drawing criticism from the High Court.
Naidu claimed that attempts were made to counter the Amaravati farmers' movement and cases were filed, even as political tensions escalated during that period, and people brought his party back to power.
The chief minister said Andhra Pradesh, formed on a linguistic basis, was left without a capital, and the resolution sent to Parliament was approved, granting legal status.
Naidu said Amaravati would emerge as a hub for education, employment and knowledge, while parallel development was being pursued in Visakhapatnam and Tirupati.
He added that industries were being promoted across regions and major companies were setting up operations, alongside efforts to complete irrigation projects.
Naidu said capital development works worth Rs 56,000 crore were currently underway and would progress in phases, with major milestones expected by 2028.
The CM stated that Amaravati was designed as a self-sustainable project with financial support from institutions such as the World Bank, Housing and Urban Development Corporation Limited (HUDCO) and others.
Naidu said the state aims to achieve a USD 2.4 trillion economy by 2047, with Amaravati playing a key role in driving growth.
He added that the Centre and state were working together to secure funds for key projects, including Polavaram, Amaravati and other infrastructure initiatives.
The chief minister said the government was implementing short-term, medium-term and long-term plans to rebuild the state's economy and restore growth momentum.
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Delhi: Father, son held for killing 19-year-old woman in suspected honour killing
New Delhi (PTI): The Delhi Police has arrested a man and his son for allegedly murdering his 19-year-old daughter in west Delhi's Hari Nagar area, an official said on Friday.
The case first came to light on April 1 after a PCR call was received around 2 pm, alleging that a woman had been killed by her family members and her body was being taken for last rites, he said.
The accused, identified as Mohammad Maneer (55), a vegetable vendor, and his son Meraj Ali (19), were arrested in connection with the case, the officer said.
The victim had been in a relationship with a man from her native place for the past two years, which was opposed by her father, Maneer and brother Meraj, he said.
"When the girl did not end the relationship despite objections, the family killed her," the officer said.
On April 1, the police said that when their team reached the spot, they found that the woman's body was being taken for burial.
Acting on the input, the burial process was stopped over suspicion of honour killing.
"Police intercepted the family members and took possession of the body," he said.
Police said that the man who had made the PCR told them that the woman was in love with his cousin.
During the inquiry, police also interacted with the PCR caller, who said his cousin, a friend of the deceased, had informed him about the situation and suspected foul play, prompting him to alert the police control room.
The body of the woman was subsequently shifted to the mortuary of Deen Dayal Upadhyay Hospital for preservation and postmortem.
Police said that both the crime team and the forensic science laboratory (FSL) team were called to inspect the scene and collect evidence.
Police said that, as per the postmortem report, the cause of death was identified as smothering, indicating that the woman was suffocated.
A preliminary inquiry also revealed that the family had initiated preparations for the last rites soon after the woman's death, raising suspicion about the circumstances.
Initial investigation pointed to the family's opposition to the woman's relationship.
"The family members of the woman saw her with the man, and she was taken back home. We got to know that she was beaten up and even locked inside the house for some days," a source said.
Further investigation into the matter is underway, police added.
