Coalition Leaders’ Pressure Driving Industries Out Of Andhra Pradesh, Says YSRCP

The YSR Congress Party on Saturday alleged that pressure, threats and demands for collections by leaders of the ruling coalition were driving major industrial projects away from Andhra Pradesh. Addressing a press conference at the YSRCP central office in Guntur, party spokesperson Putta Sivashankar accused the coalition government of creating an unfavourable environment for industries since coming to power.

Sivashankar questioned the government over major projects that, according to him, had moved to other states. He cited the ₹6,675-crore Tata Power project proposed in Nellore, which was shifted to Odisha, and the ₹3,538-crore Websol project planned at Naidupeta, which moved to West Bengal. He demanded that the government explain why these investments did not materialise in Andhra Pradesh.

The YSRCP leader also alleged that the government had withdrawn land earlier allotted during the YS Jagan Mohan Reddy administration for projects involving Coca-Cola in Anakapalli and Azad Mobility in Sri Sathya Sai district. He also referred to land associated with GInfra and Jupiter projects, claiming that the decisions had affected potential employment opportunities.

Sivashankar further alleged that cement and thermal power companies across Rayalaseema were facing pressure over transportation and fly-ash contracts. He named UltraTech, Dalmia, Vicat, Srichakra and Bharathi Cements, claiming that the companies were being subjected to repeated demands and interference by coalition leaders.

He also challenged the government’s claim of attracting ₹24 lakh crore in investments and 20 lakh jobs. Sivashankar said the government should publicly disclose details of at least two lakh jobs, or 10% of its claimed employment figure, to establish the credibility of its claims.

Comparing the two administrations, he said Andhra Pradesh had ranked first in Ease of Doing Business during Jagan’s tenure, including the COVID-19 period, but had now slipped to eighth place.

Sivashankar also criticised the government’s claim regarding ₹9,000 crore raised through APMDC, saying the Assocham award being highlighted as an achievement amounted to corporate lobbying rather than genuine success. He demanded greater transparency on the state’s investment, employment and industrial performance claims.