Lokesh accused the opposition of conspiring at every step to obstruct the state’s progress and sabotage employment generation.
Published Aug 01, 2025 | 12:11 AM ⚊ Updated Aug 01, 2025 | 12:11 AM
Andhra Pradesh IT and Human Resources Minister Nara Lokesh
Synopsis: Andhra Pradesh IT Minister Nara Lokesh has accused the YSRCP of attempting to sabotage Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu’s recent investment-focused visit to Singapore by allegedly orchestrating a misinformation campaign to discourage investors. Lokesh further alleged that YSRCP was creating legal and political obstacles to derail development initiatives.
Andhra Pradesh IT and Human Resources Minister Nara Lokesh has accused the Yuvajana Sramika Rythu Congress Party (YSRCP) of attempting to sabotage Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu’s recent visit to Singapore, which was aimed at attracting investments to the state.
“Soon after we reached Singapore, we were shocked to learn that an individual named Murali Krishna had sent emails to the Singapore government, various companies, and the Indian High Commissioner urging them not to invest in Andhra Pradesh. He claimed the TDP-led NDA government is unstable and may not last long,” Lokesh said, addressing the media in Amaravati on Thursday, 31 July, after returning from the five-day tour.
Lokesh claimed there is strong reason to believe that the aforementioned person acted with the backing of the YSRCP.
“It came to our notice that he was in contact with staff from PLR Constructions, a firm linked to former minister Peddireddy Ramachandra Reddy, as well as with YSRCP MLAs,” he said.
“It’s clear that Jagan Mohan Reddy is trying to derail the state’s development efforts and sabotage employment generation. We have concrete evidence against Murali Krishna.”
The minister accused the opposition of conspiring at every step to obstruct the state’s progress, and cited an example:
“In Tamil Nadu, when a company encountered issues, all political parties came together and approached the Singapore High Commissioner in unity, putting their political differences aside for the state’s benefit. They told the envoy, ‘Our political fights end at Chennai’s borders; beyond that, we are all Tamil Nadu.’ That’s the kind of unity Andhra Pradesh is missing due to YSRCP’s destructive politics.”
Lokesh expressed strong objection to the YSRCP approaching the High Court over the allotment of land to TCS at a nominal rate of ₹0.99 per acre.
“What is wrong with granting land to a reputed IT company that promises employment? Even the High Court questioned this opposition,” he said.
He accused the YSRCP of “deliberately creating legal and political obstacles to drive away potential investors,” warning that such actions were damaging Andhra Pradesh’s growth prospects and hurting its global reputation.
Lokesh announced that TCS will begin operations in Visakhapatnam shortly, with Cognizant set to follow in October. He added that Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu, while in Singapore, had directed officials to take strict action against individuals attempting to tarnish Andhra Pradesh’s brand.
“False propaganda creates doubts in the minds of startup founders. We will act firmly against such misinformation. In the past, similar emails were sent to RBI and SEBI; now, they are targeting ministers and secretaries in Singapore,” he said.
Recalling a previous instance, Lokesh said false complaints had been emailed to the RBI when the state attempted to issue bonds.
“Reading such malicious emails is painful. We are bringing investments to the state using Chandrababu Naidu’s credibility. Recently, a UAE minister visited Vijayawada before travelling to a neighbouring state, yet YSRCP leaders continue to create hurdles. Their actions are not just harming Andhra Pradesh, but also the global image of Telugu people,” he said.
Lokesh also criticised the previous YSRCP government for unilaterally cancelling agreements with Singaporean firms without consultation.
“Amara Raja, one of AP’s top taxpayers, was forced out to a neighbouring state. The Lulu Group’s mall project was scrapped, further damaging the state’s investment climate. That’s one of the reasons people voted the NDA alliance into power in 2024,” he said.
Highlighting the industrial push under the TDP-led NDA government, Lokesh pointed to key investments and upcoming projects across the state.
“We brought Kia Motors to Anantapur, renewable energy projects to Kurnool, and Reliance’s compressed biogas plant to Prakasam. For the first time in India, a 158-cubic quantum computer will be installed in Amaravati in January. Kurnool will become a Drone City. Companies like Campa Cola are coming,” he said.
“North Andhra will see a Data City, pharmaceutical companies, IT parks, and India’s largest ArcelorMittal steel plant. We’re focusing on vertical and horizontal integration of industries. While Telangana has Hyderabad, Karnataka has Bengaluru, and Tamil Nadu has Chennai, Andhra Pradesh has Chandrababu Naidu. His leadership has rebuilt the state’s lost brand.”
Speaking about the Singapore visit, Lokesh announced that under the leadership of CM Chandrababu Naidu, Andhra Pradesh signed an agreement with Singapore’s sovereign wealth fund, GIC, to invest ₹45,000 crore over the next five years.
“Chandrababu Naidu has had a long-standing relationship with Singapore since 1995. We received an overwhelming reception from the Telugu diaspora; 2,000 people attended one event, a historic first in Singapore. We secured investment commitments from multiple companies, and we expect significant inflows soon,” Lokesh said.
During the tour, discussions were held with Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam, Minister Tan See Leng, and other senior officials.
“The Chief Minister held 26 one-on-one meetings in four days. I participated in 35 programmes, including meetings with 19 industrialists. We engaged with companies across various sectors. Tuas Port, Jurong petrochemicals, IT, electronics, green energy, sports, and real estate,” he said.
Meanwhile, responding to criticism from Telangana leaders over the Banakacherla project, Lokesh asserted:
“We never obstructed the Kaleshwaram project. What is wrong in lifting surplus water going to the sea and using it for Rayalaseema? Why should it bother anyone?” he said.
“Moreover, Kaleshwaram was built without the approval of a regulatory committee. Some leaders are attempting to stoke regional tensions for political gains. TDP has never hindered investments in Telangana. It was founded by NTR to serve Telugu people. Our goal is to ensure Telugu people emerge number one globally.”
