- Naidu identified the need to develop other regions to replace three-capitals theory of Jagan
- Amaravathi will be sole-integrated Capital
- Three Development Zones to be set up
Is Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu’s new zonal development strategy a revised version of former Chief Minister Y. S. Jagan Mohan Reddy’s three-capitals theory? The political landscape of Andhra Pradesh continues to be dominated by the crucial debate over regional development, a subject that has defined the tenures of two successive Chief Ministers, Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy and the incumbent N. Chandrababu Naidu.
The NDA government, led by Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu, faces allegations from opposition parties that it is overly concentrating on the development of Amaravati as the sole capital, potentially neglecting other regions like Rayalaseema and North Andhra. However, the current government has responded by announcing a plan to establish three distinct development zones centered around North Andhra with Vizag as the center, Rayalaseema with Tirupati as the center, and the central coastal districts, apart from Amaravathi as the core capital of AP.
The Two-Pronged Approach to Decentralization
- The central question remains
The answer lies in the fundamental difference between the scopes of decentralization envisioned by the two leaders. CBN’s line of development is Regional Focus that will be creating three distinct development zones (economic/industrial hubs) for balanced growth across North Andhra, Rayalaseema, and the central coast. The Andhra Pradesh government led by CBN has proposed zones to be centered around Visakhapatnam, Tirupati, and Amaravati. The core goal is wealth creation, industrial expansion, and achieving a high growth rate, with a focus on Amaravati as a world-class IT and financial hub.
Jagan’s Three-Capital Theory: Governance Decentralized
The theory of Jagan is achieving regional equity and balanced development by physically shifting key branches of governance. Jagan Mohan Reddy’s administration pursued the “AP Decentralisation and Inclusive Development of All Regions Act, 2020.” It proposed a strategy (2019–2024) of three government capitals: Visakhapatnam (executive), Amaravati (Legislative), and Kurnool (Judicial). This involved decentralization through the distribution of government functions and administrative power. The rationale was to ensure equitable development by distributing the physical seat of governance across the state’s three main regions, drawing parallels to models like South Africa. Critics, including Naidu, argued that this move was “impractical” and an “administrative nightmare,” causing significant political and legal uncertainty, and stalling development.
Naidu’s Zonal Strategy: Economic Decentralization
In contrast, CM Naidu has emphatically re-affirmed Amaravati as the state’s single capital, even seeking legal sanctity from the Union Government to prevent future challenges. However, acknowledging the public and political demand for regional equity, his government is now proposing the creation of three distinct development zones. This strategy, centered around Visakhapatnam (North Andhra), Tirupati (Rayalaseema), and Amaravati (Central Coastal), aims for economic decentralization rather than administrative decentralization. North Andhra (Visakhapatnam) is expected to continue its growth as a major port city and potential hub for industrial, IT, and financial sectors. Rayalaseema (Tirupati) is likely to be positioned as a major investment destination, leveraging its existing infrastructure and pilgrimage status, with a continued push for projects like the JSW Steel plant in Kadapa a project initiated by the previous YSRCP government and now being revived by the NDA. Central Coastal (Amaravati): The primary focus remains on building this into a world-class capital city and a knowledge/tech-driven metropolitan area.The main difference is critical: Naidu is concentrating administrative power in one place (Amaravati) while planning to decentralize economic and industrial growth across three zones, as Jagan aimed to decentralize governance itself. The GOs related to the zones will be issued in a day or two.
The Opposition’s Allegations- More land to Amaravati
- Pawan Kalyan’s Dissent
The zonal announcement was announced by Naidu after Opposition parties, particularly the YSRCP and the Congress, continue to allege that a disproportionate amount of focus and funds are being directed toward Amaravati. They point to the revival of the Amaravati mega-city project, including the second phase of the Land Pooling Scheme and the plan to build an International Sports City, as evidence that regional interests are secondary to the capital’s development. Dissent is more and more on further land acquisition for Amaravati. Chandrababu Naidu is also facing stiff restriction not only opposition parties but also farmers and partners of NDA government. Jana Sena chief and deputy CM Pawan Kalyan opposed the move.
Polavaram’s Completion is strong as Amaravati Commitment
The NDA government’s challenge will be to demonstrate, through concrete budget allocations and timely project execution, that its commitment to the development zones in North Andhra and Rayalaseema is as strong as its commitment to Amaravati. The revival and acceleration of regional projects, such as the Polavaram Project and the Kadapa Steel Plant, will be key indicators of success in achieving inclusive growth.
Both theories are synonyms with a little difference
Both the theories of CBN and Jagan are the same of a little difference. Jagan argued for sharing of governance to the three regions. Instead, Chandrababu Naidu proposed of sole capital and development of three regions by setting up of three regional zones. Naidu, who announced Amaravati as sole capital first after coming to power in 2024, realised the importance of Visakhapatnam, which is growth-engine to the AP and proposed of constituting regional development zones. Jaganmohan Reddy too planned to develop the three regions by proposing industrial hubs along with sharing of governance. So, CBN’s idea is develop the three regions with Amaravati is solo capital. Jagan planned to develop the three regions with sharing of governance to them along with industrial development.
Editor, Prime Post
Ravindra Seshu Amaravadi, is a senior journalist with 38 years of experience in Telugu, English news papers and electronic media. He worked in Udayam as a sub-editor and reporter. Later, he was associated with Andhra Pradesh Times, Gemini news, Deccan Chronicle, HMTV and The Hans India. Earlier, he was involved in the research work of All India Kisan Sabha on suicides of cotton farmers. In Deccan Chronicle, he exposed the problems of subabul and chilli farmers and malpractices that took place in various government departments.
For Leader like CBN who claims to be pioneer & architect of Hyderabad development, taking time in creating capital is really astonishing.
As said by many leaders capital is build and gets developed over a period of time.
Hyd Nizam who is architect of Hyderabad has created infrastructure which is required in those times.
And present Hyderabad has evolved in 400 yrs and growing exponentially with contributions from N. J Reddy, NTR, YSR, KCR never claimed that they only developed. People have given mandate for them to contribute, which they did.