With Nara Chandrababu Naidu back as Andhra Pradesh’s Chief Minister, the focus is back on Amaravati as the state’s sole capital. Initially declared the capital during Naidu’s 2014 tenure, the plan was sidelined by his successor, Jagan Mohan Reddy, who proposed three capitals. Naidu’s ‘One Capital’ slogan in the 2024 elections promises to revive Amaravati as a vibrant city. Upon entering the Andhra Pradesh secretariat, Naidu paid homage to a Buddha portrait, symbolizing Amaravati’s cultural and historical significance.
During Naidu’s earlier term, Amaravati’s Chief Minister’s office showcased replicas of the ancient Amaravati stupa’s lotus medallion and intricate Buddhist jali art. This was part of efforts to attract international investments and celebrate Amaravati’s rich Buddhist heritage. Amaravati was a prominent Buddhist center before the rise of the Satavahanas in the 2nd century AD, featuring a grand stupa and monastery built during Emperor Ashoka’s reign.
However, enthusiasm for promoting Buddhism waned towards the end of Naidu’s tenure, partly due to public reservations. After Jagan’s election, symbols like the lotus medallion were replaced, signaling a shift away from promoting Buddhism. Now, with Naidu’s return, Amaravati’s revival as a cultural hub and capital city is expected to begin anew, marking a resurgence of interest in its Buddhist legacy.