The YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) countered the allegations made by Telugu Desam Party (TDP) regarding the 10-acre sprawling residential complex on Rushikonda hill, dismissing the claims that the facility was meant to be former Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy’s personal residence.
In a statement, the YSRCP clarified that Jagan Mohan Reddy never stayed at the facility. “The facility is intended for public and governmental use,” read the statement.
The party also disputed the claim that the project cost Rs 500 crore, stating that the actual expenditure was Rs 250 crore, significantly lower than the Rs 10,000 per square foot spent by the previous TDP government on temporary structures.
Addressing concerns about legality and environmental damage, the YSRCP asserted that all necessary clearances were obtained and that the project occupies only 3 per cent of the land, with replanting efforts undertaken.
“Claims that the project lacks purpose are misleading; it fulfills a long-standing need for premium infrastructure in Visakhapatnam, supporting both tourism and governance functions,” said YSRCP.
The TDP has continued its criticism, with party leader Nara Lokesh likening Jagan Mohan Reddy’s governance approach to that of Saddam Hussein, accusing him of envisioning a “30-year rule” in Andhra Pradesh.
“He cut the whole hill and built his Sheesh Mahal. So now the problem is that the environment ministry has put a Rs 100 crore penalty on us. So for four people to live there, Rs 700 crore were spent,” Lokesh said.
