Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh’s largest city, proudly holds titles like metro city, mega city, and smart city. Its scale and infrastructure justify all these descriptions.
During the YSRCP rule, then-Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy announced Visakhapatnam would become the capital.
However, confusion within the party led to unclear implementation and eventual opposition — even from those who initially supported the move, putting the blame on weak strategy of YCP.
Now, under the TDP-led alliance, Visakhapatnam is once again at the forefront — not as the declared capital, but as the venue for major events.
The decision to host International Yoga Day on June 21 in Visakhapatnam reflects this shift. The city’s capacity to host the Prime Minister and large gatherings made it the ideal choice.
Alliance leaders claim over five lakh participants in the yoga event, possibly breaking a Guinness record. While they call it a gift to the city, locals say it’s Andhra Pradesh’s fortune to have Visakhapatnam.
Recalling the TDP era when numerous programs were held there, many believe Visakhapatnam is bridging the capital void left by Amaravati’s stagnation and lack of real estate interest in that region.
Capital or not, Visakhapatnam stands tall as AP’s most vital city — and for its admirers, that recognition alone is enough.
