Jagan’s Rushikonda Palace Is A Case Study

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu set foot into the contentious Rushikonda palace in Vizag for the first time during his ongoing Uttarandhra tour. A few days ago, Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan visited the palace and stated that Chandrababu will take a decision on how to utilise the buildings.

It is a known fact the extravagant palace built by the previous government with the orders of the then CM Jagan Mohan Reddy for allegedly personal use has triggered a massive political storm and invited severe backlash from all quarters for its extravagance at the cost of government exchequer after it was divulged following the defeat of YSR Congress party in recent elections.

Now, Chandrababu expressed deep shock and astonishment over the plushy amenities and lavish facilities inside after making a thorough inspection of the entire palace just a while ago. He was accompanied by officials and local leaders from all three parties during his visit. Naidu addressed a press meet soon after his visit at the palace to detailed the people of Andhra Pradesh about the manner in which Jagan splurged government money to satisfy his ego and luxuries.

Chandrababu said he mind blocked as he had never witnessed such a palatial residence in his political career and never ever imagined in the wildest dreams about such a betrayal of democracy to build a palace for personal use. He came down heavily on Jagan for wasting money like water for his personal luxuries. Naidu said Jagan’s spending on Rushikonda place should be take as case study.

Chandrababu criticised that Jagan couldn’t spend 400 Crores for the irrigation projects in Uttarandhra but constructed the palace for his official residence with 430 Crores. He stated that a whopping amount of 36 lakhs was spent for bath tub and 12 lakhs for bathroom commode. He said that kings and rulers of ancient era used to built such palaces in their dynasties.

The TDP president flayed at Jagan Mohan Reddy and his party supporters for trying to play down the misuse of government coffers by covering up the purpose of the building towards the tourism and to house dignitaries. Naidu also revealed that the previous government used Japan technology to demolish the Rushikonda hills for this construction. Bewildered with the costly equipment, Naidu said he had never seen such expensive chandeliers anywhere in the world.

Naidu stated that the power bills and contractor bills relating to the palace are still pending and also the maintenance costs are very high.

Calling Jagan as Andhra Escobar, Naidu said democracy taught a big lesson to YSR Congress party. He lamented that the previous government flouted so many regulations and misguided the courts to go ahead with the construction. He also pointed that many government officials will be in trouble if he orders a detailed enquiry into the controversial building.

He called for a public discourse on how to utilise the palace and stated that all details relating will be revealed to inform the people about the manner in which Jagan betrayed democracy to satisfy his personal luxuries. Naidu declared that the palace will be open for public visits and an decision will be taken on its future after thorough deliberation.