Metro India News | AMARAVATI

Andhra Pradesh IT and Education Minister Nara Lokesh has accused the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) of deliberately sabotaging investment opportunities in the state. Speaking at a press conference in Amaravati, Lokesh alleged that a person named Murali Krishna—linked to YSRCP leaders and a company associated with former minister Peddireddy Ramachandra Reddy—had written to Singapore officials falsely suggesting a regime change in Andhra Pradesh.

Terming it “criminalisation of politics,” Lokesh said such acts damaged the state’s reputation and could deter global investors. He blamed the previous YSRCP regime for chasing away key investors like Amara Raja and Lulu Group, which he claimed left the state under Jagan Mohan Reddy’s leadership. In contrast, he said, under Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu, AP had regained investor confidence, signing Rs 45,000 crore worth of MOUs during the Singapore visit. 

He also highlighted the upcoming Tata Innovation Clusters and major tech investments focused on decentralized development and youth employment. Lokesh also commented on the ongoing liquor scam, claiming one company involved had bought Rs 400 crore worth of gold, sarcastically asking, “Are they making liquor from gold?” He said there was credible evidence and that the law would take its course, even hinting at possible arrests.

He challenged Peddireddy to deny the allegations and accused YSRCP of stirring regional tensions over water-sharing, especially the Banakacharla project. Questioning Telangana’s objections, he said, “Why shouldn’t AP use surplus water that flows into the sea?” Taking a final dig at Jagan, Lokesh said, “A man who files cases against his own mother and sister can never be a true leader.”