Differences appear to have emerged among the partners of the ruling coalition in Andhra Pradesh regarding the future use of the palatial bungalows on Rushikonda Hills in Visakhapatnam.
The cabinet sub-committee, headed by Finance Minister Payyavula Kesav, has indicated that the Rushikonda palaces could be handed over to reputed hotel groups for commercial purposes, while retaining one or two blocks for government use.
However, TDP state president Palla Srinivas Rao insisted that the buildings should be used strictly for tourism-related purposes. He pointed out that maintaining these luxury structures involves high expenditure and warned that if sufficient revenue is not generated, the upkeep could become a financial burden on the government. According to him, the most viable options are to lease the property as a hotel or resort, or to involve a private partner so that the operational responsibility does not fall entirely on the government.
On the other hand, BJP MLA P. Vishnu Kumar Raju opposed the privatisation of the Rushikonda palaces. He emphasized that the cabinet sub-committee should take public opinion into account before submitting its recommendations. The MLA suggested that Visakhapatnam should be developed not only as an investment hub but also as a spiritual and cultural centre. He proposed exploring the possibility of setting up an exhibition linked to the Tirumala temple for the benefit of the general public, arguing that allocating the palaces solely to major hotel groups could exclude ordinary citizens from the advantages.
The issue highlights a growing debate over balancing commercial viability, tourism promotion, and public access in the utilisation of these prime government properties.
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