TPN , Vishakapatnam : Minister Nara Lokesh made key comments regarding the privatization of Visakhapatnam Steel and the Tirumala Laddu Prasadam incident. Speaking at the CII Infrastructure Conference held at the Visakha Novatel, he addressed the media and firmly stated that the privatization of Visakhapatnam Steel will not take place, claiming that this is not a real discussion but rather misinformation spread by the YCP. He added that all facts regarding the impurity of laddu prasadam would come to light through the SIT investigation.
Lokesh clarified that there would be no privatization of Visakha Steel. He mentioned that after five years, many industrialists, financiers, and public representatives have come together for a summit aimed at making large-scale investments in Andhra Pradesh. Discussions were held on the future of Visakha and how to advance infrastructure projects. Topics such as the construction of Bhogapuram Airport, along with road and metro connectivity to Bhogapuram, were also discussed. Lokesh stated that during the TDP government, decentralization of development had already created focus areas for each district, but alleged that many investments stopped during the five-year YCP rule, likening the regime to a “speed breaker.” He further stated that they deliberated on how to revive these investments.
Advancing a Backward AP Post-YCP Regime
Lokesh criticized the previous government for failing to build even basic roads and not filling potholes, which led to public suffering. He claimed that industrialists had lost confidence and retreated. According to him, the entire economic structure needs revitalization, and massive investments in infrastructure are essential. The current summit, he said, is part of an effort to reverse Andhra Pradesh’s backwardness and bring in suggestions to propel development forward. Lokesh also set a target to create 20 lakh jobs and assured that appropriate subsidies would be provided for job creation. He emphasized that large-scale investments are being invited to achieve this goal.
Positioning Visakhapatnam as an IT Destination
Lokesh criticized the previous government for signing contracts with several data center companies and then neglecting them. He promised that in the coming days, significant investments would flow into Visakhapatnam, and the city would be made competitive with other states. He shared that discussions with various IT and electronics companies had already taken place, with a focus on providing employment to local youth. He stated that after meeting with IT companies in Visakhapatnam and addressing their concerns, progress has been made, including the arrival of a major IT company that will create 1,500 jobs. Lokesh also criticized the previous government for failing to provide basic infrastructure like streetlights and buses for these companies. He pointed out that once the TDP returned to power, these issues were resolved, and more industrialists began field visits.
New IT Policy to Arrive in 100 Days
Lokesh announced that a new IT and GCC policy would be introduced within the next hundred days, promising substantial IT investments in the near future. He is also focused on promoting emerging technologies and encouraging the establishment of data centers. He mentioned that in the past, an agreement was signed with a company for an investment of around one lakh crore rupees, with land already allocated and the foundation stone laid.
Undoing the Damage of the Last Five Years
Lokesh assured that pending subsidies owed to industries would be disbursed soon. A consultative forum will be organized within a week to address investors’ concerns. He accused the YCP regime of causing destruction over the past five years and said that even the EDB (Economic Development Board) was abolished. However, Lokesh claims the situation is being rectified. He criticized the previous IT Minister for not engaging with the IT industry, stating that his team is now taking a focused approach. Lokesh also revealed that Tata’s chairman has now begun discussing Vizag and Andhra Pradesh positively. He noted that during Chandrababu Naidu’s tenure, the Lulu Group had been welcomed with open arms, but following Jagan’s arrival, the company decided to invest in every state except Andhra Pradesh. He alleged that industrialists are now fearful of what might happen if the YCP leader, whom he referred to as “psycho,” comes back to power by mistake.
Exposing YCP’s Misinformation Campaign on Visakha Steel
Lokesh warned that legal action would be taken against officials who violate laws. He said that unlike others, he is not hiding behind curtains but is accessible to the public. He reminded the audience that he had opposed the privatization of Visakhapatnam Steel before the elections and accused the previous YCP government of neglecting the steel industry. He claimed that they were not given the necessary concessions and that mining licenses were even canceled. Lokesh said Chandrababu Naidu had discussed the issue with central officials, who concluded that there was no real discussion about the privatization of Visakhapatnam Steel. However, Lokesh claimed that the YCP is spreading false propaganda.
SIT Investigation on Tirumala Laddu Will Reveal the Truth
Lokesh questioned why Jagan Reddy is not requesting a CBI inquiry into the murder case of his uncle. He noted that YV Subbareddy fled after being challenged to swear on the purity of the Tirumala Laddu. Lokesh alleged that the ghee used in the laddus was sold at a price 40 percent lower than the market rate, and he assured that the SIT investigation would reveal everything. He further claimed that the YCP is attempting to cover up its mistakes, emphasizing that this is not about politics but rather about addressing the sentiments of the people.