'Jagan Thought He Was Saddam Hussein of Andhra': Nara Lokesh Slams Ex-CM Over Rushikonda Mansion Row

Nara Lokesh alleged that Rushikonda Mansion project, originally intended for tourism development, was transformed into a personal palace.

The Telugu Desam Party (TDP)-led NDA government now faces the challenge of determining the fate of the controversial estate.

Source : Facebook

Andhra Pradesh Minister Nara Lokesh has launched a scathing attack on former Chief Minister and YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) leader YS Jagan Mohan Reddy, accusing him of extravagantly misusing public funds for the construction of a lavish residence on Rushikonda Hill.

Lokesh alleged that the project, originally intended for tourism development, was transformed into a personal palace. He likened Jagan Mohan Reddy’s governance style to that of a dictator, stating, “He thought he was the ‘Saddam Hussein’ of Andhra Pradesh and believed he would rule for 30 years.”

Rushikonda Palace Row 

Highlighting the scale of the mansion, Lokesh said that despite his family's long political legacy—including his grandfather Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao and father, current Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu—he had never witnessed such extravagance. He further criticised the environmental impact of the construction, noting that the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change had imposed a penalty of Rs 200 crore for violations.

#WATCH | Vijayawada | On former Andhra Pradesh CM YS Jagan Mohan Reddy built mansion on Rushikonda hill, state minister Nara Lokesh says, "It was a project of Andhra Pradesh's tourism department before it was converted into 'sheesh mahal'. Former CM Jagan Mohan Reddy thought that… pic.twitter.com/EyGM2u0XFA

— ANI (@ANI) March 20, 2025

Addressing Jagan Mohan Reddy’s family dynamics, Lokesh claimed that the former CM’s household had dwindled to just four members after his sister and mother were 'expelled' from the family. He questioned the necessity of such an opulent estate, stating, "Just for the four people to live in a house, Rs 700 crores were spent. Even the PM doesn't have such a big house. We will think what to do with the house." 

The Telugu Desam Party (TDP)-led NDA government now faces the challenge of determining the fate of the controversial estate. Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu’s administration has strongly criticised the expenditure, calling it a blatant misuse of public resources.