Drone visuals have revealed newly constructed buildings atop Rushikonda in Visakhapatnam, igniting a political firestorm. The controversy, dubbed the Rushikonda Palace affair, surfaced when Bheemili MLA Ganta Srinivasa Rao inspected the hilltop constructions attributed to the former YSRC regime, describing the opulent structures as a ‘Raja Mahal.’
The Telugu Desam Party (TDP) has levelled serious allegations against former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy, accusing him of clandestinely erecting an ultra-luxurious bungalow by cutting a hill in half. The party claims that the construction of the sea-facing palace, which they estimate cost Rs 500 crore, violated numerous regulations and was shrouded in secrecy behind large barricades.
TDP spokesperson Pattabhi Ram Kommareddy has expressed outrage over the extravagance of the project, especially given the state’s precarious financial condition. “The luxuries and comforts provided to Jagan Mohan Reddy at the Rushikonda Palace have left people in shock,” said Kommareddy. He detailed the lavish expenditures, citing a bathtub worth approximately Rs 40 lakh and a commode valued between Rs 10 to Rs 12 lakh among the extravagant amenities. The palace reportedly also features luxurious furniture and a spa room with a high-end massage table. “I was surprised to see a massage table inside the Chief Minister’s bedroom,” Kommareddy remarked.
The TDP has criticized the timing and nature of these expenditures, highlighting the state’s significant debt of Rs 12 lakh crore. Kommareddy also pointed to a potential conflict of interest, alleging that the construction contract was awarded to Devi Reddy Srinath Reddy, a relative of Jagan Mohan Reddy.
In response, Yuvajana Sramika Rythu Congress Party (YSRCP) spokesperson Kanumuri Ravi Chandra Reddy defended the constructions, emphasizing that the buildings are government assets rather than private properties of Jagan Mohan Reddy. “Constructed in a superb way, you (TDP) can use it for the President or Prime Minister’s visit to Vizag,” said Kanumuri. He assured that the quality of construction justifies its use for high-profile visits and reiterated that the buildings do not belong to Jagan Mohan Reddy privately.
The opulence of the Rushikonda Palace, coupled with the state’s financial strain, has sparked significant public and political debate. As the controversy unfolds, the TDP continues to demand transparency and accountability regarding the project’s expenditures and the processes involved.
