Date: November 04, 2024
Rushikonda Palace Expenditure Sparks Controversy
Naidu Visits Rushikonda Palace Amidst Ongoing Uttarandhra Tour
During his tour of Uttarandhra, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu recently visited the highly controversial Rushikonda Palace in Vizag. This palace, constructed during Jagan Mohan Reddy’s tenure, has faced backlash for its alleged personal use by Jagan and its lavish expenditure funded by the public.
In a recent visit, Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan emphasized that Chandrababu Naidu would decide on the palace’s future purpose. Following his inspection of the property, Naidu shared his astonishment at the luxurious features, which he claims represent a betrayal of public trust.
Extravagance at Rushikonda Palace: A Case Study in Misuse of Public Funds
Naidu addressed a press meet after his visit, expressing shock over the lavish amenities and state-of-the-art facilities within the palace. According to Naidu, the previous YCP government under Jagan misused government funds to satisfy personal luxuries, making Rushikonda Palace a “case study in wasteful expenditure.”
The construction involved a significant Rs 430 crore, a figure Naidu criticized as disproportionate, especially given the financial constraints on other essential projects in the state. “Imagine spending 430 crores on a palace when only 400 crores were set aside for irrigation projects in Uttarandhra,” Naidu lamented, calling for transparency regarding these expenses.
Shocking Expenditures: From Opulent Bathrooms to Imported Chandeliers
The costs involved in building Rushikonda Palace have stirred public outrage. Naidu revealed that Rs 36 lakh was spent on a bathtub, and Rs 12 lakh on a single bathroom commode. Imported chandeliers of immense value decorate the property, which Naidu claims surpass even the standards of royal residences. Additionally, the palace construction allegedly used Japanese technology to demolish parts of Rushikonda Hills, further inflating the budget.
Naidu has questioned why such funds weren’t invested in public projects. He criticized the previous government for trying to justify the palace as a tourism development meant to house dignitaries, calling this an attempt to mask Jagan’s personal indulgences.
Pending Bills and High Maintenance Costs
Further deepening the controversy, Naidu disclosed that several expenses related to the palace remain unpaid. Both power and contractor bills linked to the building are reportedly pending, highlighting the ongoing cost burden for the state. Maintenance costs are also reportedly high, casting doubt on the building’s long-term viability as a public asset. Naidu sees these expenses as another example of mismanagement, pointing out that while essential public services struggle with funding, Rushikonda Palace continues to drain government resources.
“Andhra’s Escobar”: Naidu’s Harsh Criticism of Jagan’s Leadership
Naidu didn’t mince words, referring to Jagan as “Andhra’s Escobar” in light of the lavish lifestyle funded by public money. He emphasized the importance of democratic values and accountability, stating that Jagan’s governance practices have hurt public trust. Naidu also alluded to potential legal repercussions for officials involved in bypassing regulations during the construction of the palace.
Calls for Public Discourse on the Palace’s Future
In his concluding remarks, Naidu stated that he intends to open the palace for public visits, allowing citizens to witness its extravagance firsthand. Additionally, he called for a public discourse to decide how the property can best serve Andhra Pradesh. By involving the people in this decision, Naidu aims to provide transparency around the palace’s construction and ensure that any future use aligns with public interests.
Conclusion: Rushikonda Palace as a Symbol of Political Accountability
Chandrababu Naidu’s visit and subsequent criticism have brought Rushikonda Palace into the spotlight, prompting questions about fiscal responsibility and governance in Andhra Pradesh. Naidu’s push for transparency and his invitation to the public to help determine the palace’s future use mark a significant moment in Andhra’s political landscape, with implications for the state’s financial priorities and democratic values.