Date: March 21, 2025
Nara Lokesh Likens Jagan to Saddam Hussein
Lokesh Criticizes Jagan’s Extravagant Spending to Saddam Hussein
Andhra Pradesh Education Minister Nara Lokesh has strongly criticized former Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy for constructing a lavish palace on Rushikonda Hill in Visakhapatnam. He accused Jagan of abusing power and public funds to build a private estate while ignoring the state’s development. Drawing a parallel to Iraq’s former dictator Saddam Hussein, Lokesh stated that Jagan acted as if he would remain in power for three decades. He alleged that Jagan blocked public access to a scenic beach view by constructing a massive residence for his personal luxury.
A Palace Built with Public Money
Lokesh revealed shocking details about the Rushikonda estate, which comprises:
Three lavish buildings—one for Jagan, two for his daughters
A special camp office for Jagan’s wife
Italian marble flooring, grand halls, and luxury fittings
High-end construction materials sourced from foreign suppliers
Despite being a state-owned tourism property, the area was transformed into a private fortress for Jagan’s personal use. Lokesh pointed out that taxpayers’ money was used to fund this extravagant construction.
Massive Costs and Environmental Violations
The Andhra Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (APTDC) reportedly spent ₹500 crore on the project. However, the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change (MoEFCC) imposed a ₹200 crore penalty for violating environmental norms. The total cost escalated to ₹700 crore, making it one of the most expensive private residences ever built by an Indian politician.
Lokesh criticized the destruction of natural beauty in Visakhapatnam, saying the hills were flattened to build the palace. He questioned whether such spending was justified when public welfare projects remained neglected.
Jagan’s Fear and Security Obsession
Lokesh further alleged that Jagan constantly lived in fear, which led him to construct a massive security complex. The estate includes:
A separate residential facility for 1,000 security personnel
High-tech surveillance systems
Advanced security bunkers
He claimed that Jagan’s paranoia about safety resulted in unnecessary spending, burdening the state’s finances.
Extravagance While People Suffer
Lokesh expressed outrage over the fact that such luxurious residences were built for just four family members—Jagan, his wife, and their two daughters. He noted that even Prime Minister Narendra Modi does not live in such a lavish palace, despite being the country’s most powerful leader.
He further accused Jagan of prioritizing his comfort over public welfare, adding that the state suffered under his governance.
The Saddam Hussein Comparison
Lokesh’s comparison to Saddam Hussein is based on the Iraqi dictator’s extravagant lifestyle. Saddam was known for building multiple palaces, lavish estates, and luxury villas, while his country struggled with economic hardships.
According to Lokesh, Jagan followed a similar pattern—spending heavily on his personal comforts while leaving Andhra Pradesh’s infrastructure, economy, and welfare schemes in a poor state.
He concluded that such authoritarian behavior should not be tolerated in a democracy, urging the public to be aware of how leaders misuse public resources.