The Telugu Desam Party (TDP), a key ally of the ruling NDA, has intensified its demand for granting Amaravati permanent legal status as the capital of Andhra Pradesh, while also calling for a nationwide ban on social media access for children under 16. The demands were raised during an all-party meeting held in New Delhi on Tuesday.
TDP leaders urged the Centre to introduce legislation that would formally declare Amaravati as the state’s capital, arguing that a permanent law is necessary to bring long-term stability and confidence for investors, landowners, and residents. The party said repeated policy changes in the past, including the now-scrapped three-capital proposal by the previous YSRCP government, had created uncertainty and slowed development.
TDP MP Lavu Krishna said the party raised several national and state-level issues at the meeting, with Amaravati and child safety online being among the top priorities. He cited international examples, particularly Australia, which has explored restrictions on social media use for minors. “If other countries can take steps to protect children online, India should also seriously consider it,” he said.
Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu has reportedly discussed the Amaravati issue with senior Union leaders, and sources indicate that a bill to provide statutory backing to the capital status may be introduced in the upcoming Budget Session of Parliament. The TDP believes such a move will ensure policy continuity and accelerate infrastructure development in the region.
On the issue of social media, TDP leaders, including State IT and HRD Minister Nara Lokesh, expressed concern over the exposure of young users to harmful content. Lokesh has previously warned that children are not fully equipped to handle the risks associated with social platforms and called for a strong legal framework, including age verification and parental controls.
However, legal experts caution that implementing a blanket ban would be complex in India. Any such law would need to balance child protection with fundamental rights such as freedom of expression and the right to privacy, while also aligning with existing digital and data protection laws.
The twin demands highlight TDP’s push for both long-term state development and stronger national-level digital safety measures.
