Rushi Konda Palace up for grabs?

The “Rushi Konda Palace” built by the previous YRSCP regime in Visakhapatnam has been in the eye of a major political storm. This luxurious hilltop property, with a stunning sea view, was developed at a cost of around Rs 500-680 crore. Originally intended to promote tourism, it has faced allegations of being built for the personal use of former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy. The palace features opulent amenities such as imported granite flooring, chandeliers, designer furniture, and high-end spa rooms.

Coming out with a white paper on the state finances, Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu questioned the extravaganza of the Y S Jaganmohan Reddy government when the state was facing a severe resource crunch. Calling it sheer misuse of public funds, he wanted to know from the members in the State Legislative assembly What to do with the Rushi Konda Palace?  The YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) defended the expenditure, stating it was meant to accommodate dignitaries visiting Visakhapatnam. The palace spans approximately 9.88 acres. It consists of seven blocks. The total built-up area is around 19,968 square meters. High-quality imported granite has been used extensively. There are about 200 chandeliers, each costing up to Rs 15 lakh. The interiors are designed with a cozy and luxurious feel, costing around Rs 33 crore.

 The palace is furnished with high-end imported furniture. It includes spa rooms for relaxation. Some washrooms feature commodes costing Rs 15 lakh each. The landscaping includes exotic imported plants and grass. Equipped with a state-of-the-art sound system, the property has been provided with a large home theatre screen, multi-hued illumination costly lighting systems. The palace’s opulence and grandeur have made it a subject of both admiration and controversy. As the Chief Minister has raised serious questions about the future of this lavish building, there have been various suggestions, including the possibility of selling or leasing the palace.