Differences seem to have cropped up within the partners of the ruling coalition in Andhra Pradesh over the utilisation of the palatial bungalows on Rushikonda hills in Visakhapatnam.
While the cabinet sub-committee comprising headed by finance minister Payyavula Kesav has hinted that the Rushikonda palaces would be handed over to the reputed hotel groups while retaining one or two blocks, TDP state president Palla Srinivas Rao said the buildings should be used strictly for tourism-related purposes.
Palla noted that maintaining the luxury structures involves high expenditure and warned that if adequate revenue is not generated, the upkeep would become a financial burden on the government.
He said the only viable options were to lease the property as a hotel or resort project, or to involve a private partner so that the operational burden does not fall entirely on the government.
However, BJP MLA P Vishnu Kumar Raju objected to privatisation of the Rushikonda palaces. He said the cabinet sub-committee should consider the public opinion before submitting its recommendations to the government.
The BJP MLA questioned how the sub- committee could take decisions on the issue without seeking the opinions of local MLAs and MPs.
He said the Rushikonda buildings should not put to use, considering accruing revenue from them as the sole criterion.
“Visakhapatnam should be developed not only as an investment hub but also as a spiritual centre. He suggested that the sub-committee study the option of setting up an exhibition linked to Tirumala temple for the benefit of general public,” he said.
The proposal to allot the Rushikonda buildings to major hotel groups could exclude ordinary citizens from the benefit, he opined.