Hyderabad no longer Andhra Pradesh's capital from today
Hyderabad, a thriving metropolis in India, ceased to be the shared capital of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh on Sunday (June 2). This shift aligns with the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act of 2014, which stated that Hyderabad would serve as the joint capital for a maximum period of 10 years. The city was named as the common capital following the division of undivided Andhra Pradesh in 2014.
Telangana state formation and Hyderabad's role
The creation of Telangana State on June 2, 2014, was the realization of a long-standing demand. The AP Reorganisation Act declared: "On and from the appointed day (June 2), Hyderabad in the existing State of Andhra Pradesh, shall be the common capital of...Telangana and the State of Andhra Pradesh for such period not exceeding 10 years." It also stated that after this period, Hyderabad would solely be Telangana's capital, while a new one would be established for Andhra Pradesh.
Andhra Pradesh's transition from Hyderabad
During the 10-year period, Andhra Pradesh conducted its administration and assembly proceedings from Hyderabad until it established its own capital city. A portion of the Secretariat complex and several buildings in Hyderabad were also allocated to Andhra Pradesh for administrative purposes. Over time, most of these buildings were vacated by the Andhra Pradesh government and handed back to Telangana.
Unresolved issues and future of Hyderabad
However, unresolved issues persist between the two states concerning asset bifurcation. The Telangana government intended to address these matters at a cabinet meeting but was hindered by restrictions imposed by the Election Commission of India due to the Lok Sabha elections. With Hyderabad now solely serving as Telangana's capital, uncertainty surrounds three buildings still under Andhra Pradesh's control.
Andhra Pradesh's request for extended control
The buildings in question include the Hermitage official building complex at Adarsh Nagar, the crime investigation department (CID) building at Lakdi-ka-pool, and the Lake View guest house. The Andhra Pradesh government has requested to retain these buildings for another year until permanent accommodations are found in Andhra Pradesh, even offering to pay rent starting June 2. However, the Telangana government has not yet responded to this request.
