Netas Build Palaces, Promise Poverty

Palace Politics: While the Poor Struggle for Shelter, Leaders Compete in Building Mansions

Politics has shifted from sacrifice to self-service. The race is no longer about uplifting the poor, but about who builds the biggest palace.

In a country where a vast population still struggles for basic housing, political leaders are engaged in a silent competition—one where opulence, not service, is the prize. This competition is most evident in the Telugu states, where the political landscape is now dotted with multi-acre estates, luxurious residences, and billionaire lifestyles. The leaders, while wearing simple clothes and projecting modest images, are reportedly sitting on assets worth hundreds and thousands of crores.

The Jagan-Babu Mansion Race

Former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y.S. Jaganmohan Reddy has long been under scrutiny for the enormous wealth he amassed even before stepping into politics. With an extravagant mansion in Hyderabad, a palace-like property in Bengaluru, and a sprawling estate over two acres in Tadepalli, Jagan’s personal holdings have often been in the spotlight. His political opponents allege that his business empire grew in tandem with his political influence, raising serious questions about the ethical boundaries between public office and private interest.

Not to be outdone, current CM N. Chandrababu Naidu is constructing a five-acre mega-residence in Amaravati. Though Chandrababu is known for his simple khadi attire and disciplined public image, his actions reflect a different story. His family’s assets and expansion into various sectors have attracted criticism, particularly in a state grappling with financial deficits, unemployment, and agricultural distress.

A Culture of Pretend Simplicity

Simplicity has become a well-crafted political image. Former Telangana CM K. Chandrashekar Rao is always seen in his trademark white cotton shirt and trousers. Revanth Reddy, the current CM, projects the image of a common man. Revenue Minister Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy, despite owning assets worth hundreds of crores, wears no luxury on his sleeve.

This contrast between appearance and reality is jarring. Political leaders publicly proclaim their commitment to the poor, wear simple footwear, speak the language of the masses—but retreat to palatial homes guarded by private security and packed with luxury.

Power for Profit

The real danger lies not just in the wealth they accumulate, but in how they do it. Political power has increasingly become a stepping stone to business success. Laws are allegedly tweaked to benefit personal ventures, tenders are secured for allied companies, and massive assets are acquired under the radar. Critics argue that these activities are not only unethical but represent a betrayal of the very democratic principles these leaders swear to uphold.

Reports reveal that there are currently over 475 Members of Parliament whose individual assets cross the ₹100 crore mark, many of whom have shown exponential growth in their net worth after assuming office. While leaders once entered politics to serve, today many enter to gain.

Flashback: When Leaders Sacrificed Everything

The contrast with India’s freedom struggle era is stark. Leaders like Mahatma Gandhi, Chandra Rajeshwar Rao, and Puchalapalli Sundarayya gave away their properties for the nation. Women donated their gold and ornaments to the movement. Atal Bihari Vajpayee and L.K. Advani lived and died with their principles intact, leading simple lives despite holding the highest offices in the country.

Politics back then meant sacrifice; now, it means strategy for accumulation. Today’s politicians fly in chartered planes, throw lavish events, and still claim to be “for the poor.” This hypocrisy has led to growing public frustration and distrust in political institutions.

Sudha Murthy: Simplicity or Spectacle?

The debate around simplicity as an image also extends to figures outside active politics. Sudha Murthy, MP and Chairperson of Infosys Foundation, is admired for her plain sarees and unassuming lifestyle. Her humility, especially during international visits, has earned public admiration. However, some critics question whether this too is part of a curated image, given her family’s vast wealth and high-profile connections.

Ambedkar’s Suit: A Symbol, Not a Statement

Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s choice to wear Western suits and boots wasn’t vanity—it was a revolutionary act. As a Dalit who broke barriers through education and intellect, Ambedkar’s attire was a challenge to the caste-based norms of society. His wardrobe was a political tool, just like Gandhi’s khadi. Today, those symbolic choices are forgotten. Leaders wear simple clothes as a costume while living lives of luxury far removed from the realities of the people they claim to serve.

What Message Does This Send?

When political leaders flaunt wealth, manipulate systems, and justify personal businesses during their tenure, it sets a dangerous precedent. Public service becomes secondary to personal profit. The message to society is clear: if you want to become rich, don’t start a business—enter politics.

A Democratic Disconnect

This growing disconnect between leaders and the public is dangerous for democracy. When citizens see leaders living in palaces while they can’t even get a piece of land to build a home, it fuels resentment. When they see public funds used for private gains, it deepens distrust.

The challenge now is not just electoral reform or anti-corruption laws. The challenge is cultural—a need to return to the ideals of service, simplicity, and sacrifice that once defined leadership in India.

Until then, politics will continue to be less about serving the people and more about palace building.