Did Jagan Reddy build a lavish Palace on Rushikonda Hill? New allegations by TDP

The political scene in Andhra Pradesh was recently rocked by allegations from the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) against former Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy. TDP claimed that Jagan Reddy had constructed a luxurious plot of land on Rushikonda Hill in Vishakhapatnam, popularly known as Vizag, for his personal use. This hilltop estate, dubbed the “palace on the hill,” has sparked controversy and accusations of misuse of public funds.

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Revelation

The property was revealed to the public for the first time on Sunday, following the elections in Andhra Pradesh. In these elections, the TDP, led by N Chandrababu Naidu, toppled the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) government of Jagan Mohan Reddy. TDP alleged that the property was intended as a camp office for Jagan Reddy, who had declared Vizag as the new capital of Andhra Pradesh.

TDP’s allegations

Ganta Srinivas Rao, TDP Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA), led a delegation of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and media on a tour of the lavish estate. This tour left many stunned by the sheer luxury of the “palace on the hill” overlooking the beach. TDP claimed that the property was built in secret, using public funds amounting to ₹500 crore. They say it includes high-end amenities, luxurious furnishings, sparkling chandeliers and bathtubs, which are not typical of government offices.

Land clearance for coastal regulation zones

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TDP pointed out that the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) clearance for this project was granted by the central government in May 2021. The clearance is for a tourism project by the Corporation Andhra Pradesh Tourism Development develops on Rushikonda Hills. However, TDP national general secretary Nara Lokesh alleged that Jagan Reddy had decided to exclusively use the land as his camp office, defeating the purpose of the project.

Secrecy and misuse of money

The TDP claimed that the construction cost was kept highly secret and the contracts were awarded to Jagan’s party supporters. According to Ganta Srinivas Rao, the project was initially launched as a star hotel at a cost of ₹91 crore, with a duration of 15 months. However, ₹95 crore is said to have been spent only on leveling the land and another ₹21 crore on beautifying the surroundings. To maintain secrecy, 20-foot high barriers were erected around the construction site, hiding activities from public view.

Compare with historical figures

Mr Rao drew comparisons between the property and palaces built by notorious figures such as Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein and, more locally, Gali Janardhan Reddy. He argues that “palaces” include features atypical of tourist properties, such as a large conference room designed for reviews and meetings. He also claimed that green resorts for tourism, which generate an annual income of up to ₹ 8 crore, have been demolished to make way for the estate.

Charge of misleading the court

TDP alleged that the state government had misled the court about the real purpose of the project. Initially, the state government called it a star hotel, then a “CM camp office” and then a tourism project. Despite these claims, when the project was challenged, a Supreme Court expert committee found several violations, but construction continued regardless.

Political consequences

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Following the revelations, new Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu and his deputy Pawan Kalyan claimed that they were unaware of what was being built behind the barricades. Ganta Srinivas Rao humorously commented that “divine intervention” prevented Jagan from using the palace, hinting at his election defeat.

Defense from YSRCP

A leader of Jagan Reddy’s party, former industries minister G Amarnath, has denied allegations that the land was built as a camp office for Jagan with public funds. He claimed that the estate was intended to host dignitaries like the Prime Minister and President, as Vizag was being designated as the capital. He confirmed that this is not the Minister’s personal camp office.

Public reaction

Public reaction to these revelations was mixed. TDP supporters see this as evidence of the previous government’s corruption and misuse of public funds. They believe such lavish spending is inappropriate, especially when it harms public resources. On the other hand, YSRCP supporters defended the project, saying there was a need for facilities to host high-ranking officials and visitors in Vizag, which is being considered as the new capital.

Future meaning

The controversy surrounding the “palace on the hill” is likely to have a lasting impact on Andhra Pradesh politics. It raises questions about transparency and accountability in government projects. The new government led by Chandrababu Naidu may conduct a deeper investigation into the project to determine if there was any wrongdoing. The issue could also become a focal point for future election campaigns, with both parties using it to criticize each other’s management.

Conclusion

The charges against Jagan Mohan Reddy and the construction of a hilltop estate in Vizag highlight the complex and often controversial nature of political projects in India. As the new government investigates these claims, it remains to be seen what the long-term impact will be on the political landscape of Andhra Pradesh and public confidence in the government’s actions. The “palace on the hill” story serves as a reminder of the importance of transparency, accountability and responsible use of public funds in maintaining the integrity of democratic governance.

Source: https://anhngunewlight.edu.vn
Category: Blog