– Andhra’s incentive package labeled economic disaster by Priyank
– Nara Lokesh claims highest investment in the youngest state
Hyderabad: Andhra’s food might be spicy, but it seems some of our investments are also feeling the heat. Nara Lokesh, Andhra’s IT Minister, criticized Karnataka and highlighted that our neighbors are already facing the consequences.
With Google planning to invest ₹1.3 lakh crore in Visakhapatnam, tensions are rising between Karnataka and Andhra.
Following Priyank Kharge’s comments that Andhra Pradesh’s incentive package for Google amounts to economic disaster, Lokesh responded on X, stating development is flourishing in Andhra without directly mentioning Karnataka.
They say Andhra food is spicy. Seems some of our investments are too. Some neighbours are already feeling the burn! 🌶️🔥 #AndhraRising #YoungestStateHighestInvestment
— Lokesh Nara (@naralokesh) October 16, 2025
What did Priyank say?
Andhra Pradesh is providing significant incentives to Google, which include ₹22,000 crore in promotion funds, a 25% subsidy on land, 25% off water charges, free electricity, and a full refund of the state GST. He questioned whether such financial support is sustainable, noting that if Karnataka offered similar incentives, accusations of pushing the state towards bankruptcy would follow.
“Andhra Pradesh Govt is giving huge subsidies to Google for its Visakhapatnam Data Centre, like 25% land, free water and electricity. Can any state afford it?”
– Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge pic.twitter.com/jI9EsaS6tC
— News Arena India (@NewsArenaIndia) October 15, 2025
What did Nara Lokesh say?
Lokesh stated that Karnataka’s infrastructure is inadequate and suffers from power shortages. He emphasized that Karnataka should address these issues first. Responding to questions about the agreement for Google’s AI center in Visakhapatnam, he mentioned that many states were also trying to attract Google just a day before the signing.
He noted that competition among states is beneficial, ultimately benefiting India. He referenced how, during the computer revolution, some questioned whether computers could provide sustenance, but thanks to former Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu’s incentives, Hyderabad became a tech hub, creating millions of jobs.
