Just the compound wall of Kampli legislator’s palatial house is 10 ft tall
The compound wall of the mansion of Kampli MLA at Kamalapuram in Hampi in Bellary district. (Photo: DC)
ANANTAPUR: Kings and kingdoms have disappeared, and new kings and kingdoms are coming into being, thanks to the lavish styles of elected leaders. Many of them have in recent years erected palatial houses and live in style in Rayalaseema, the erstwhile seat of the Vijayanagar Empire. Flush with money in their hands, several leaders have built spacious houses in other cities including Hyderabad and Bengaluru as well.
As history reveals, the emperors built big residences even for seasonal and temporary stay, while leaders in the present era are showing a keen interest to build big houses as a status symbol. This is not confined to one party or an area. Many leaders live in mansions that are similar to palaces of erstwhile royals. Rayalaseema Hakkula Vedika founder and former MLA T.G. Venkatesh's house sprawls over 5 acres in Sankalbag in Narsingraopet area in Kurnool city. The house of Kampli MLA at Kamalapuram in Hampi in Bellary district appears like a palace or Mahal. The compound wall of the house stands at a height of 10 ft and resembles a fort. Three more leaders in Bellary district have constructed bungalows in the same way. The leaders have also set in place security measures as also other status symbols.
Slain Paritala Ravindra's residence in Aravind Nagar area, a multi-storeyed building, has a compound wall and protective structures to resist even attacks. YSRC president Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy's residences in Bengaluru and Hyderabad attracted criticism in the past. His palatial house on a sprawling 22-acre plot on the outskirts of Bangalore is complete with a private helipad. Lotus Mahal in Hyderabad was too among the big plots of leaders of Rayalaseema.Leaders from Anantapur, Kurnool, Kadapa and Bellary built their residences on the lines of palaces. CPI district secretary K. Jagadish, for one, notices that the leaders are living in royal splendour.
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( Source : deccan chronicle )
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