TDP has alleged that ex-CM Reddy built a luxurious resort on Rushikonda Hill in VisakhapatnamTDP has accused former chief minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy of constructing a luxurious resort on Rushikonda Hill in Visakhapatnam.
The TDP alleged that the resort, disguised as a tourism project, was intended for Jagan's personal use.
Ultimately, they spent Rs 95 crore on demolition and excavation and later inflated the construction cost to Rs 460 crore."
Symbol of opulenceThe Rushikonda resort has become a symbol of luxury, with 12 bedrooms and a total built-up area of 1,41,433 square meters.
The government spent Rs 33 crore on internal decoration and another Rs 50 crore on landscaping.
TDP has alleged that ex-CM Reddy built a luxurious resort on Rushikonda Hill in Visakhapatnam
TDP has accused former chief minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy of constructing a luxurious resort on Rushikonda Hill in Visakhapatnam.
The TDP alleged that the resort, disguised as a tourism project, was intended for Jagan's personal use.
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This startling accusation sparked intense debates about transparency and governance in the state's tourism projects following the TDP's significant victory in the recent elections.
TDP MLA Ganta Srinivasa Rao and his supporters even staged a protest at the site, escalating the situation.
What is the row about?
In late 2021, the YSRCP government announced the redevelopment of the Andhra Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (APTDC)-run Haritha resort on Rushikonda Hill to turn it into a major tourist attraction.
Since then, a 9.88-acre area of the resort has been restricted, with the government claiming ongoing development work.
Official records show that the area was divided into blocks, and buildings are being constructed at an estimated cost of Rs 356.4 crore. In February, former Tourism Minister RK Roja inaugurated the redevelopment project.
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The TDP has raised concerns about the secrecy surrounding the project, alleging that the YSRCP is building a lavish residence for Jagan under the guise of the project, which they claim violates several norms.
TDP's allegations
The TDP has capitalised on the Rushikonda project's controversy, alleging that it exemplifies Jagan's "misgovernance".
After coming to power, Srinivasa Rao and the ruling party supporters visited the site to uncover the project details before CM Chandrababu Naidu’s planned visit to Visakhapatnam.
They took pictures of the site and shared them on social media. Rao criticised the YSRCP for demolishing Praja Vedika, which had been built during the previous TDP government.
"Jagan was voted out of power before enjoying the opulence of the palace he constructed," he said.
Rao mentioned that discussions were underway to determine the future of the building.
"The palace was constructed in an impractical manner, and a decision regarding its use will be made after Naidu's visit," he said.
A close aide of TDP’s Visakhapatnam MP M Bharat added, "The truth is finally out. We have been saying this for years. This was Jagan’s project to benefit personally. It is not in the interest of Andhra."
Additionally, Bheemili MLA Ganta Srinivasa Rao pointed out that the bathrooms at Rushikonda Resort are larger than the houses provided to the poor by the YSRCP government.
He said, "The YSRCP government initially announced the construction of a five-star hotel with Rs 91 crore. Ultimately, they spent Rs 95 crore on demolition and excavation and later inflated the construction cost to Rs 460 crore."
He questioned the secrecy surrounding the construction at Rushikonda, citing inconsistencies in the project's public explanations.
Earlier, TDP leader and Andhra Pradesh IT Minister Nara Lokesh told the media, "The Chief Minister has asked the officials to submit a report on the Vizag Rishikonda issue. Many things similar to Rishikonda have occurred in the state, and we will disclose everything to the public after the report is published."
Symbol of opulence
The Rushikonda resort has become a symbol of luxury, with 12 bedrooms and a total built-up area of 1,41,433 square meters.
The three palaces were built by carving the serene Rushikonda hills, and the Jagan government reportedly spent Rs 407 crore of the estimated Rs 452 crore on the project.
Some bathrooms were as large as 480 square feet.
The TDP argued that if this was constructed for tourism promotion, there was no need for meeting halls measuring 7,266 square meters.
The first-floor meeting hall in Kalinga block had a chandelier costing Rs 2 lakh, with huge corridors adorned with expensive imported marble and similar chandeliers.
The Kalinga block also featured a home theatre with a wall-to-wall screen.
The Gajapathi and Vengi blocks had identical facilities. The government spent Rs 33 crore on internal decoration and another Rs 50 crore on landscaping.
The entire complex, including bathrooms, had a central air-conditioning facility. Special attractions included a sea-facing dining hall, 12 beds in all bedrooms, and spa facilities in bathrooms.
YSRCP's response
The Jagan-led party has maintained that the redevelopment project was intended to boost tourism in Visakhapatnam.
“The buildings in Rushikonda are government-owned assets and not private property. They do not belong to anyone. These buildings were constructed keeping in mind the priority given to Visakhapatnam by the previous government. It is up to the present government how to use them,” the party said in a post on X.
The YSRCP claimed the buildings were being constructed to house dignitaries such as the Prime Minister and President when they visited the city.
Former Minister Gudivada Amarnath has alleged that TDP MLAs and some ministers are trying to mislead the public by projecting the buildings as private properties for Jagan's use.
Amarnath recalled that the APTDC resort was constructed during the tenure of former Chief Minister NT Rama Rao and the property remain under APTDC's control. He emphasised that the current government could decide how to use the buildings for public purposes, countering the TDP's claims of misuse.
Environmental concerns
The construction of the Rushikonda resorts has faced criticism from environmentalists and activists who argue that the activity violates Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) norms.
Several petitions have been filed in different courts, including the National Green Tribunal (NGT), challenging the construction.
Retired bureaucrat EAS Sarma wrote to the Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change (MEFCC), arguing that the structures are not intended for tourism but for housing the CM's office as part of shifting the administrative capital to Visakhapatnam. Sarma urged the MEFCC to revoke the CRZ clearance and penalise APTDC officials for violating the law.
