Pawan Kalyan Urges Government to Repurpose Jagan’s Luxurious Rushikonda Mansion into Public Asset

Date: August 30, 2025

Location: Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh

Pawan Kalyan, the Deputy Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, has called for the effective and strategic use of the grand beachside property located on Rushikonda Hill in Visakhapatnam, built by former Chief Minister Y. S. Jagan Mohan Reddy. The property, often referred to as the “palatial mansion,” has been a topic of political controversy and speculation ever since its construction. Now, Kalyan’s visit and request to repurpose it as a public asset have once again brought the grand residence into the political spotlight.

The Majestic Rushikonda Property: A Quick Overview

The Rushikonda property, known for its sprawling 10-acre estate overlooking the serene Bay of Bengal, was initially developed as part of a tourism initiative by the Andhra Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (APTDC). The complex includes a large conference hall, lavish residential buildings, a private garden, and an expansive deck with views of the coastline. Despite its potential to promote tourism, the extravagant nature of the property raised eyebrows, especially after it was revealed that the former Chief Minister had reportedly used it as a personal retreat and an unofficial office.

The controversy deepened when opposition leaders accused Jagan of misusing public funds to build the opulent property. Allegations suggested that the mansion was not just a state guesthouse but a personal residence and workspace. Despite these claims, supporters of Jagan Mohan Reddy argue that the property was always intended to benefit the state by fostering tourism and providing a venue for official functions.

Pawan Kalyan’s Inspection: A Call for Action

On August 29, 2025, Pawan Kalyan visited the Rushikonda property to personally inspect its condition. His observations were concerning. According to Kalyan, parts of the property had already started to deteriorate due to lack of proper maintenance. The once-pristine exterior was showing visible signs of wear, with plaster peeling off the walls and sections of concrete breaking away.

Kalyan emphasized that such an iconic property, strategically located in one of the most picturesque locations in the state, should not remain underutilized. He expressed that it was crucial for the government to find a way to repurpose the mansion for the greater good of the public and the state’s economy. Instead of letting the property fall into further disrepair, he suggested transforming it into a public space that could generate revenue while serving a functional purpose for the citizens.

The Andhra Pradesh Government’s Response

In light of Kalyan’s comments, the Andhra Pradesh government quickly took action by forming a Group of Ministers (GoM) to examine the property and propose a plan for its future. The GoM has been tasked with evaluating the current state of the Rushikonda property and exploring possible options for its transformation into a public facility.

Some of the suggestions that are reportedly being considered include turning the mansion into a convention center, an exhibition hall, or even a museum that showcases the culture and heritage of Andhra Pradesh. There are also discussions around the possibility of using the space for various public functions and state-sponsored events. Given its prime location, the property could also be developed into a tourist attraction, contributing to the region’s economic growth.

Political Backlash and Public Opinion

The controversy surrounding the Rushikonda property has sparked intense debate across Andhra Pradesh. Opposition parties, particularly the Telugu Desam Party (TDP), have criticized the property as an example of Jagan Mohan Reddy’s excess and misuse of state resources. They have accused him of building a lavish residence at the taxpayer’s expense, a claim that has resonated with many who are concerned about the growing cost of government projects in the state.

On the other hand, supporters of Jagan argue that the property was built with a larger vision in mind — one that would benefit the state’s tourism industry and help boost the local economy. They point to the potential of Rushikonda as a tourist destination and assert that it could bring in much-needed revenue for the state.

Despite the political division, the general public is largely supportive of efforts to repurpose the property. Many locals believe that the mansion could serve as an important venue for conferences, exhibitions, and cultural events, thus contributing to the state’s development.

The Road Ahead: A Long-Term Vision for the Rushikonda Property

As the GoM continues to deliberate on the future of the Rushikonda property, it is clear that the decisions made will have far-reaching implications for the state’s political and economic landscape. The public’s response to these plans will likely shape the political fortunes of the leaders involved in the decision-making process.

The need for transparency and accountability in how such public assets are utilized has never been more critical. In this case, repurposing the Rushikonda property could not only give the mansion a new lease on life but also address pressing concerns about the appropriate use of state resources. Whether the property becomes a hub for tourism, culture, or business, it could ultimately play a significant role in enhancing the state’s standing both within India and on the global stage.

As the Andhra Pradesh government works toward a final decision on the future of the Rushikonda mansion, Pawan Kalyan’s call for its repurposing remains a powerful reminder of the need for effective governance and the responsible use of public resources. The success of this endeavor will depend on the political will to see it through and the ability to ensure that the property serves the interests of the people rather than becoming another symbol of misallocated state funds.

While the public eagerly awaits the GoM’s recommendations, the eyes of political observers remain fixed on this developing story, which promises to have a lasting impact on Andhra Pradesh’s political landscape and its future growth.