In a strong accusation, Andhra Pradesh's Minister for IT and Human Resources Development, Nara Lokesh, has claimed that the opposition YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) is systematically trying to derail major investments and job creation in the state by filing public interest litigations (PILs). He stated that these legal challenges are being mounted against marquee projects by companies like TCS, Cognizant, Sattva, and now Raheja Corporation.
PILs Threaten Future of Andhra's Youth, Says Minister
Minister Lokesh, addressing the issue on Friday, asserted that the opposition's actions are a direct threat to the employment opportunities for the youth of Andhra Pradesh. He emphasized that the projects being challenged in the High Court have the collective potential to generate a staggering 100,000 job opportunities for the state.
Taking to the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Lokesh directly targeted YSRCP President Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy. "@YSRCParty has moved PILs against TCS, Cognizant, Sattva, and now Raheja IT parks — projects that together mean over 100,000 jobs for Andhra Pradesh. @ysjagan, why is this hatred towards the future of our youth? Why sabotage AP at every step?" he posted.
Latest PIL Targets Raheja IT Park in Visakhapatnam
The most recent legal challenge highlighted by the minister pertains to the allotment of land for Raheja Corp's proposed IT park in Visakhapatnam. Lokesh pointed out a significant detail regarding the petitioner's legal representation. The PIL has been filed by G Srinivasa Rao of the Society for Protection of Constitution and is being argued by senior advocate Ponnavolu Sudhakar Reddy.
Minister Lokesh noted that Ponnavolu Sudhakar Reddy served as the additional advocate general during the previous YSRCP government, implying a connection between the party and the litigation.
Negative Signal to Investors and State's Growth
The minister warned that such repeated legal interventions against large-scale investments send a damaging signal to the global investor community. "Repeated filing of PILs against large-scale investments sends a negative and damaging signal to potential investors, undermining the state's efforts to project itself as a hub of technology, innovation, and high-quality employment," Lokesh stated.
He argued that at a critical juncture when Andhra Pradesh is focused on rebuilding investor confidence and attracting global companies, these obstacles become counterproductive to the state's economic progress.
Reaffirming the state coalition government's stance, Lokesh asserted its commitment to transparent and lawful processes. "The coalition govt in the state is committed to 'transparent, lawful, and investor-friendly processes'," he said, adding that they would firmly defend projects that create livelihoods and drive economic growth.
Concluding his remarks, the IT Minister framed the issue as central to the state's future. "The future of Andhra Pradesh lies in jobs, skills, and growth. Any attempt to stall such projects is an attack on the aspirations of our youth," he added.
