Fri Mar 14 02:03:34 UTC 2025: ## Andhra Pradesh’s “Sheeshmahal”: New Chief Minister Faces Backlash Over Lavish Former CM’s Mansion

**Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh –** A sprawling sea-facing mansion built for former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy has sparked a major controversy, drawing parallels to the recent Delhi election debate surrounding Arvind Kejriwal’s official residence. Dubbed Andhra’s “Sheeshmahal” by critics, the opulent four-block building sits on a 10-acre plot on Rushikonda hill, boasting extravagant interiors including gold embellishments, Italian marble, and plush furnishings.

The mansion, initially proposed as a camp office, reportedly underwent several iterations, beginning as a planned star hotel with a budget of ₹91 crore (approximately $11 million USD). However, the final cost is now estimated to exceed ₹500 crore (approximately $62 million USD), according to the Telugu Desam Party (TDP). The TDP alleges environmental violations and misuse of public funds in its construction, claiming half of Rushikonda hill was demolished for the project. While the building obtained Coastal Regulatory Zone (CRZ) clearance in May 2021, concerns remain about its legality and environmental impact.

Current Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu has called for a public debate on the mansion’s future use, suggesting it is unsuitable for the tourism department and expressing uncertainty about how to generate revenue from the property. He described the project as a case study in how the former Chief Minister “cheated courts, committed environmental violations and misused public money to lead a lavish life.”

This controversy mirrors the recent Delhi election, where BJP criticized Arvind Kejriwal’s renovated official residence, claiming its cost ballooned to ₹75-80 crore (approximately $9-10 million USD) including furnishings, far exceeding initial estimates. The contrast between these lavish residences and the needs of the general population has fueled public outrage and raised questions about the accountability of politicians.

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