A statement made by senior YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) leader and former minister Botsa Satyanarayana in the Andhra Pradesh Legislative Council, suggesting that his party would reconsider its stance on the three-capital issue, has triggered internal friction within the party, according to sources.
The YSRCP, led by former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy, has maintained a stoic silence on the Amaravati capital issue, which was revived by the Telugu Desam Party-led coalition government after it assumed power in June last year.
Since its electoral defeat, the YSRCP has neither reaffirmed its commitment to the three-capital policy nor withdrawn its stance to support Amaravati. In fact, Jagan has been critical of Chandrababu Naidu’s heavy borrowings to fund the capital city’s development.
YSRCP leaders have also opposed Naidu’s proposal to set up a High Court bench in Kurnool, arguing that the entire High Court should be relocated rather than having a partial shift. Given these developments, Jagan has shown no signs of backing away from his three-capital vision.
Against this backdrop, Botsa Satyanarayana’s statement—that the previous YSRCP government had supported three capitals based on past circumstances, but that the party is now reconsidering its stance—has stirred controversy.
Botsa, who has served as both a minister and an MP, is currently a key figure within YSRCP, making his statements appear as an official party position.
However, this unexpected remark is said to have put the YSRCP leadership in a difficult position. Sources indicate that Jagan is deeply upset with Botsa’s comments in the Legislative Council, as they seemingly validate Naidu’s opposition to the three-capital policy.
Jagan is now under pressure to clarify YSRCP’s official stance on the capital issue. If he reaffirms the three-capital policy, it could be seen as an embarrassment for Botsa.
Conversely, if he supports Botsa’s statement, it would imply an admission that the three-capital plan was a mistake.
