By choosing to reside in Amaravati, Naidu hopes to reinforce investor confidence in the region's potential.
Published Apr 09, 2025 | 3:26 PM ⚊ Updated Apr 09, 2025 | 3:26 PM
File photo of Chandrababu Naidu. (X)
Synopsis: Andhra Pradesh CM N Chandrababu Naidu performed the bhoomi pooja for his new residence in Velagapudi, near Amaravati’s State Secretariat, on April 9. The 25,000 sq. yard plot will host a G+1 structure with landscaped gardens. The house, overseen by his wife Bhuvaneswari, aims to boost investor confidence in Amaravati’s development. Completion is expected in 18-24 months.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu is set to build a home of his own in Velagapudi, located within the Amaravati capital region. Until now, he has been residing at a guest house owned by businessman and entrepreneur Lingamaneni Ramesh, situated on the banks of the Krishna River in Undavalli, near Vijayawada.
On Wednesday, 9 April, Naidu performed the bhoomi pooja (groundbreaking ceremony) for his new official residence, along with his family members—his wife Bhuvaneswari, minister-son Lokesh, his wife Brahmani and their son Devansh.
The new house will be built on a sprawling 25,000 square yard (approximately five-acre) plot, located right behind the Andhra Pradesh State Secretariat. The site lies along the Seed Access Road — a key arterial route connecting Amaravati to other regions.
The chief minister purchased the parcel of land in December last year from three farmers to construct his new home in Velagapudi. Speaking about the project, Naidu had earlier mentioned that his wife, Bhuvaneswari, would oversee the construction, as he intends to focus more on the broader development of Amaravati.
The new official residence is expected to be completed within 18 to 24 months. The main structure— A G plus 1 affair— will occupy about 1455 sq yards of the five-acre plot, with the remaining space dedicated to landscaped gardens and greenery, contributing to the overall aesthetics of the area.
The location of the upcoming residence is strategically chosen — in close proximity to key administrative buildings, including the temporary High Court, residential quarters for judges and government officers, and the VIT university campus.
Interestingly, Naidu does not own a personal residence in Andhra Pradesh, except for a house in his native village, Naravaripalle, in the Tirupati district. His other known property is a bungalow located in Jubilee Hills in Hyderabad.
The decision to expedite the construction of his house is being interpreted as a symbolic gesture — one aimed at sending a strong signal to investors that the capital region is not only central to his vision for development but is also personally significant to him. By choosing to reside in Amaravati, Naidu hopes to reinforce investor confidence in the region’s potential.
With Prime Minister Narendra Modi expected to visit Amaravati soon to inaugurate the resumed construction activities in the capital, Naidu’s decision to build his residence now appears to be in consonance with the broader political and developmental narrative.
It was Prime Minister Modi who laid the foundation stone for Amaravati on Vijayadashami, 22 October 2015, at Uddandarayunipalem in the Guntur district.
Construction work on Amaravati had largely stalled after YS Jagan Mohan Reddy came to power in 2019. However, after the 2024 elections, Naidu became the chief minister once again and accelerated the capital city’s development.
Former Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy had constructed a residence in the region, which gave him the moral heft to target Naidu that he does not love Andhra Pradesh or Amaravati since he has no home of his own and was operating from Hyderabad. During its time in opposition, the TDP had often derisively referred to Jagan Mohan Reddy’s residence as “Tadepalli Palace.”
During his previous tenure as chief minister from 2014 to 2019, Naidu was frequently lassoed by YSRCP leaders for not owning a house in Andhra Pradesh.
After losing power in the 2019 elections, his residence at the Lingamaneni guest house came under legal scrutiny. The Jagan Mohan Reddy government claimed it was in violation of environmental regulations prohibiting construction on riverbanks and even issued an attachment notice citing alleged quid pro quo arrangements related to the Amaravati Master Plan.
(Edited by Sumavarsha)
