When Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Amaravati in October 2015 to lay the foundation stone for the capital city at Uddandarayunipalem, he brought with him a pot of soil and a tumbler of water collected from various parts of the country.
It was a symbolic gesture meant to convey that Amaravati would rise as a grand capital—one even more beautiful than Delhi.
However, Amaravati’s development did not proceed as envisioned. The Central government did not contribute beyond an initial grant of ₹1,500 crore.
After the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) exited the NDA alliance, then Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu criticized Modi harshly, accusing him of betraying the aspirations of Andhra Pradesh and questioning his right to speak about the capital.
Jana Sena Party president Pawan Kalyan also slammed Modi, famously remarking that the Prime Minister had brought only two “rotten laddus” in the form of soil and water for Amaravati, without offering anything substantial.
Over the years, political dynamics have shifted.
Today, the TDP and Jana Sena are alliance partners with the BJP. Both Naidu and Pawan Kalyan have become strong supporters of Modi, especially following their recent electoral victory. The past disagreements now appear to have been set aside.
As Modi returns to Amaravati on Friday evening to relaunch the long-stalled capital works, the big question on everyone’s mind is: What will he offer this time for Amaravati?
According to sources, Naidu has requested Modi to make at least a few key announcements or commitments for the development of Amaravati — even if not in the form of large financial grants. Such gestures would provide significant political mileage for the three alliance partners.
In fact, the renewed momentum behind the Amaravati project is largely due to the Centre’s involvement, particularly in securing international loans, including from the World Bank. Many believe the project would not have resumed without this financial backing.
Still, the public eagerly awaits solid commitments from Modi. If none are made, opposition parties are poised to criticize Naidu for failing to secure even a single major promise from the Centre.
Andhra Pradesh Congress Committee president Y S Sharmila questioned whether the Prime Minister would finally contribute meaningfully to Amaravati this time.
“Or will you just bring soil again?” she asked.
“Ten years ago, you threw mud in our faces and poured water on our hopes. Now, as you return for a second foundation-laying ceremony, we are sending you back that same soil as a gift,” she said, while holding a handful of soil taken from the same spot where Modi laid the foundation stone in 2015.
She added that every time Modi sees that soil, he should be reminded of the unfulfilled promises he made.
Sharmila demanded that the Prime Minister make a solemn vow on that soil — that he will no longer deceive the people of Andhra Pradesh.
Pointing out that the Centre is responsible for building the capital under the Reorganisation Act, Sharmila said Modi must now take full responsibility.
She demanded a written commitment for an unconditional grant of ₹1.5 lakh crore over three years for Amaravati’s construction.
