The Rushikonda project, a series of luxurious buildings atop the scenic hill in Visakhapatnam, was initiated under Jagan’s YSRCP government and has long been mired in controversy.
Published Dec 20, 2025 | 12:26 AM ⚊ Updated Dec 20, 2025 | 12:26 AM
YS Jagan Mohan Reddy and Chandrababu Naidu. (X)
Synopsis: Former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy has defended the controversial Rushikonda project in Visakhapatnam, saying it is a long-term asset for the State, while accusing Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu of wasting public money on a one-day International Yoga Day event. Jagan rejected allegations that the Rushikonda buildings were extravagant “palaces”, asserting that the project could boost tourism.
Former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy on Thursday, 18 December, defended the construction of the controversial Rushikonda “palaces” in Visakhapatnam, calling it a valuable asset for the State. At the same time, he criticised incumbent Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu for allegedly squandering public funds on a one-day International Yoga Day event earlier this year.
The Rushikonda project, a series of luxurious buildings atop the scenic hill in Visakhapatnam, was initiated under Jagan’s Yuvajana Sramika Rythu Congress Party (YSRCP) government and has long been mired in controversy.
Critics, including Naidu’s Telugu Desam Party (TDP), have labelled it a “palace” built for personal opulence, with estimated costs ballooning to over ₹500 crore and allegations of environmental degradation due to hill excavation.
Jagan asserted that the actual expenditure was around ₹240 crore and said the structures serve as a “monument” to Visakhapatnam’s development potential.
“We built the Rushikonda resort for ₹240 crore, and it stands as a jewel for Visakhapatnam,” the YSRCP chief said while speaking to media persons.
“Where would you make VIP guests stay during their visit to Andhra Pradesh? Even Russian President Putin could stay there. In contrast, the current government has splurged ₹330 crore on a single day of yoga. That is a massive scam.”
He contrasted the “enduring value” of the buildings, which could host international dignitaries or generate tourism revenue, with what he called the “fleeting and propagandistic” nature of the International Yoga Day event held on 21 June.
The International Yoga Day celebration, dubbed “Yogandhra”, was organised by the Naidu-led NDA government in Visakhapatnam and achieved two Guinness World Records for mass yoga participation.
YSRCP leaders have alleged that the event cost ₹330 crore, primarily for publicity, causing hardship to participants, including tribal students who were reportedly inadequately cared for. They accused Naidu of using north Andhra as a “publicity stunt” while neglecting real development and infrastructure.
(Edited by Dese Gowda)
