The YCP government under Jagan Mohan Reddy's leadership has been embroiled in allegations of corruption that have shocked both political figures and the public.Recently uncovered by the TDP alliance government, a scandal involving the expenditure of Rs 12.87 crore for registering a club house owned by Vijayabhaskar Reddy, a relative of Kadapa MP Avinash Reddy, has come to light. The YCP government justified this expenditure by claiming the club house would enhance tourism in Pulivendula.Interestingly, Pulivendula lacks established tourism spots, yet the YCP government allocated an additional Rs 23.50 crore for constructing a four-star hotel on the same site. Tenders for the construction were issued by the Pulivendula Area Development Authority (PADA).Funding for the tourism project was earmarked from the 2023-24 budget and intended for release to the tourism department.This instance is just one among several corruption allegations during the YCP regime.Despite the change in leadership with the TDP alliance taking control, Jagan's initiatives faced setbacks, although the tender for the construction remains active.Jagan's administration aimed to build a lavish palace in every city and a star hotel in every village, funded by public resources, with cooperation from tourism department officials.
Normally, the tourism department allocates land for private development through public-private partnerships (PPP). However, the purchase of the 1.71-acre club house owned by Chavva Vijayabhaskar Reddy in Pulivendula was conducted in violation of established rules.The purchase included Rs 1,65,52,800 for the land and Rs 7,46,19,000 for the 46,050-square-foot building, totaling Rs 9,11,72,400. Subsequent revisions increased the expenditure by Rs 3,75,44,700, bringing the total to Rs 12,87,17,100 paid to Bhaskar Reddy. The club house was registered at the sub-registrar office in Patamata, Vijayawada, in September 2023.During the YCP's tenure, the tourism sector saw negligible growth over the past five years and suffered financial losses. The demolition of the hotel and conference room at Rushikonda for a grand construction project contributed to losses of Rs 10 crore over three years for the tourism sector.Currently, the grand building does not generate income but accrues expenses for electricity charges.It is noteworthy that officials who previously claimed financial constraints to justify borrowing for repairs to hotels and resorts owned by the tourism department, managed to swiftly find Rs 12.87 crore for the hasty purchase of the club house.The actions the TDP alliance will take regarding this club house scandal remain to be seen.