A Bad Counter By YCP On Rushikonda Palace

One of the most debated topics in Andhra Pradesh politics now is the palatial palace built by the outgoing CM, YS Jagan Mohan Reddy. This mega-costly establishment on the banks of Rushikonda has caught the public’s attention as over Rs 500 crores of public money was spent on constructing a costly house in the guise of the AP Tourism Department.

The TDP-JSP-BJP collective outfit has been firing on Jagan for using state exchequer’s money to build this mega palatial residency which was allegedly planned to be used as CM’s residence. In view of this relentless attack from the alliance, YCP is making a set of vague arguments that are not proving to be effective.

Former IT Minister Gudivada Amarnath who lost to an all-time record majority from Gajuwaka said Jagan constructed the building with the intention of using it for government purposes. He suggested new CM Chandrababu to use this swanky building to accommodate the PM and President when they are in Vizag. He said the building can be used to host VVIP guests. India’s PM or India’s President never ever demanded or expected these type of amenities where ever they stay across the country. Political analysts felt shock seeing a debt crunch state like Andhra Pradesh spent nearly Rs 500 crores on a building to accomidate VVIP guests as claimed by YCP leaders.

The fact that Amarnath is arguing that Rs 500+ crore was spent on a building just so that it can be used as a guest house to host someone once in a while is taking away every shred of credence.

At the same time, old videos of Ex Minister Roja going viral on social media where she states that the committee assigned with the task of finding the best accommodation place for CM camp office (to the then CM Jagan) identified Rushikonda as the right place and that is why this building was assembled there.

While Amarnath has been categorizing this building as a guest house, this argument is being written off by YCP’s own Roja who is confirming this was built for Jagan. In that case, the public would start to question the need for Jagan to have a 500 crore house at the expense of the state exchequer. So overall, YCP is falling grossly short of making a compelling argument on the Rushikonda Palace.