Amaravati Re-Launch : Where is YS Jagan?

As Amaravati prepares for a historic relaunch with PM Narendra Modi setting the stage today, YS Jagan seems to be absent to event

Despite receiving a formal invitation from the new coalition government to attend the grand foundation ceremony, Jagan declined. Reports say he received the invitation on Wednesday evening but left for Bengaluru by Thursday night.

When Andhra Pradesh was split and left without a capital, it was current CM Chandrababu Naidu who took charge and chose Amaravati as the new capital. Back then, Jagan publicly supported Amaravati and even announced that he would build his house there—which he eventually did in Tadepalli. That gesture had given the impression that he stood by Amaravati.

However, once he became CM in 2019, his approach changed drastically. He sidelined Amaravati’s development and instead pushed for a three-capital model, declaring Visakhapatnam as the executive capital. This shift sparked widespread criticism and became a major reason for his party’s defeat in the 2024 elections.

Now, with Chandrababu back in power, Amaravati’s revival is in full swing. He has secured funding, laid out a new roadmap, and brought PM Modi onboard to re-inaugurate the capital works. In an effort to keep the event inclusive, Chandrababu even ensured that Jagan was invited as a former CM and opposition leader. But Jagan’s decision to skip the event is being seen as another example of his rigid political stance.

Had Jagan chosen to attend, it could have sent a powerful message—that he had moved past the bitterness of the election loss and was willing to support development regardless of political lines. It would have helped soften public opinion against him and could’ve even helped improve his image with the central government.

Instead, his absence is being viewed as a self-inflicted political mistake. Many believe Jagan missed a rare chance to reset his public perception and show maturity as a leader.