Lokesh’s Push for Decentralised Growth Positions Andhra Pradesh as an Investment Destination*

 

Stressing that development should not be confined to a single region, he said the government had consciously adopted a decentralised model of growth. Rayalaseema is being positioned as a hub for drones, aerospace and green energy, while Amaravati is being developed not only as the State capital but as a futuristic “Quantum Valley”. Visakhapatnam, with the establishment of data centres and the entry of major IT firms such as Cognizant and TCS, is steadily emerging as a technology hub. The overarching objective, he said, is to facilitate the creation of nearly 2.6 million jobs across the State.

Drawing a contrast with earlier regimes, Mr. Srinivasa Rao observed that past visits to Davos had often been limited to optics. In contrast, Mr. Lokesh’s engagement with global investors had yielded tangible outcomes, with firms such as RMZ committing investments of nearly $10 billion to establish a Global Capability Park in Visakhapatnam. “This is development demonstrated through action, not rhetoric,” he said, expressing confidence that Mr. Lokesh would play a defining role in steering the State on a sustained growth trajectory.

He further noted that Mr. Lokesh’s efforts had significantly enhanced Andhra Pradesh’s brand image on the global stage. Through extensive outreach in countries such as the United States, Australia and Canada, he has engaged directly with multinational corporations, resulting in concrete investment commitments. Amaravati, he said, is being envisioned as a centre that will not only generate employment but also nurture advanced technologies and high-end skills for future generations.

While earlier administrations spoke of ‘Ease of Doing Business’, Mr. Srinivasa Rao said the present government had moved a step ahead by emphasising the ‘Speed of Doing Business’. The introduction of escrow accounts to ensure prompt disbursal of incentives has strengthened investor confidence. Beyond IT, heavy industries are also being encouraged, with global steel major ArcelorMittal setting up a large manufacturing facility spread over 2,000 acres. Echoing former Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu’s vision, he said the aim was to create an ecosystem where every household could potentially produce an entrepreneur, with large investments catalysing a network of ancillary industries and local employment.

Criticising the previous YSR Congress Party government, Mr. Srinivasa Rao alleged that investors were harassed for commissions, leading to the exit of several international firms and causing damage to the State’s credibility. He argued that welfare schemes could not be sustained through debt and taxation alone, and that wealth creation through industrial growth was indispensable. Allocating land and honouring incentives, rather than intimidating investors, was key to long-term development, he said, citing the Cognizant project as an example that would generate employment for nearly 25,000 people.

Referring to Mr. Lokesh’s 3,132-km-long padayatra, he said the exercise had given him first-hand insight into the needs of every district and constituency. Armed with this understanding, Mr. Lokesh is now aligning region-specific investments with local requirements, ensuring balanced growth from North Andhra to Rayalaseema. Despite what he termed as “misleading campaigns” by the Opposition, Mr. Srinivasa Rao said global investors continued to show confidence in Andhra Pradesh.

Turning to political developments, he dismissed claims that the ruling coalition could be destabilised, asserting that it was not a mere arrangement between leaders but a mandate endorsed by the people. The alliance, he said, would remain strong for at least the next 15 years, with the goal of transforming the State into a ‘Golden Andhra Pradesh’.

He also criticised YSRCP leader Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy for not attending the Assembly, urging him to respect the people’s mandate. Recalling that Mr. Chandrababu Naidu had actively participated in the House even when the TDP was reduced to 23 seats, Mr. Srinivasa Rao said staying away from the Assembly despite being elected was an affront to democratic norms. Drawing attention to unfulfilled promises on projects such as Polavaram, he said public confidence could not be regained through yatras alone.

He added that drawing salaries without attending the Assembly raised serious ethical questions and expressed hope that the Speaker would take an appropriate decision, including the option of recall if necessary. The people, he asserted, had voted for development, and no amount of political intrigue could undermine that mandate. He called upon the Opposition to recalibrate its approach and engage constructively in the Assembly on issues concerning the public.

                    Sharma K.V.  Editor