Tadepalli (Andhra Pradesh) [India], August 3 (ANI): On Monday, YSRCP MLC Mondithoka Arun Kumar criticized the Andhra Pradesh government’s failure to retain investments, following Tata Power’s announcement to shift its planned Rs 6,675-crore investment to Odisha.
Kumar contended that the government’s narrative of fostering a “speed of doing business” environment has devolved into a culture of “cash for doing business,” suggesting that even prominent firms struggle to operate in the state without financial inducements.
He further questioned the government’s assertions of securing investments totaling Rs 23 lakh crore and generating 20 lakh jobs over the last two years, noting that data from the Union government presents a contrasting scenario.
“Out of ten proposed projects, only two have been finalized. The actual investments that came into the state during this timeframe were merely around Rs 6,500 crore, resulting in just 22,167 jobs,” he stated.
Kumar highlighted that several companies, including Tata Power, Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages, Azad India Mobility, GINFRA, and Jupiter Renewables, have either pulled out their proposals or relocated from Andhra Pradesh.
He claimed that an estimated Rs 12,890 crore in investments has exited the state and called on the government to clarify the reasons for this exodus.
The YSRCP member suggested establishing an independent committee to investigate the factors leading to the industrial departures from Andhra Pradesh. He also pointed to a decrease in state GST collections and questioned how this aligns with the government’s claims of robust industrial growth, investment, and job creation.
Regarding Amara Raja Batteries, Kumar noted that the company left due to pollution regulations and judicial orders, but he accused the government of misrepresenting the issue for political gain.
He urged the state government to provide comprehensive and transparent information about investments, project execution, job creation, incentives offered, and the companies that have withdrawn their proposals.
“Andhra Pradesh requires credibility, investor trust, and accountable governance rather than exaggerated investment declarations,” he emphasized.
