Lokesh’s Remarks Trigger Political Controversy
Comments made by Andhra Pradesh Minister Nara Lokesh during the inauguration of Amara Raja’s Customer Qualification Plant at Divitipalli in Telangana’s Mahabubnagar district have triggered a fresh political controversy. Lokesh stated that Amara Raja was forced to invest in Telangana because of the “harassment” it faced under the previous Andhra Pradesh government and even apologized to the people of Andhra Pradesh for the loss of the investment.
However, the opposition has strongly challenged these remarks, demanding that the facts surrounding the project be examined before making political accusations.
Opposition: Amara Raja Never Shifted Its Andhra Pradesh Operations
According to opposition leaders, Amara Raja has not relocated any of its existing manufacturing units from Andhra Pradesh. Its facilities in Chittoor district continue to operate as usual.
They point out that the company’s Lithium-Ion Battery Gigafactory in Telangana was announced as part of an agreement signed with the Telangana government in 2022. The project involves an investment of nearly ₹9,500 crore and is being implemented under a 10-year expansion plan.
Given these facts, the opposition questions whether it is appropriate to portray the Telangana investment as a direct consequence of the previous Andhra Pradesh government’s policies.
Questions Raised Over Coalition Government’s Efforts
The opposition has also turned its attention to the current coalition government in Andhra Pradesh.
They ask what concrete efforts have been made over the past two years to attract new investments from Amara Raja into Andhra Pradesh. Critics question why no new manufacturing unit has been established in Amaravati or any other part of the state despite the coalition government being in power.
Environmental Action or Political Harassment?
While the ruling alliance alleges that the previous YSRCP government deliberately targeted Amara Raja, the opposition argues that the actions were part of routine environmental regulation.
The Andhra Pradesh Pollution Control Board had issued multiple notices to Amara Raja’s Chittoor facilities following complaints related to air and water pollution. Reports also indicated elevated lead levels in the blood of workers, prompting regulatory intervention.
The opposition further notes that the Andhra Pradesh High Court had upheld pollution control measures taken by authorities. They argue that steps taken to safeguard public health should not now be portrayed as political vendetta.
Opposition Points to Action Against Andhra Paper Mills
The opposition also cited a recent example involving Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan.
He had reportedly directed officials to issue notices and take action against Andhra Paper Mills over allegations of releasing industrial waste into the Godavari River.
Opposition leaders question the differing standards, asking how similar environmental enforcement could be described as “political harassment” under the previous government while being presented as “environmental protection” under the current administration.
Heritage Foods Investment in Telangana Comes Under Scrutiny
The opposition has also raised questions about Heritage Foods, a company associated with Nara Lokesh’s family.
In March 2026, Heritage Foods inaugurated a Greenfield Ice Cream Manufacturing Plant at Shamirpet on the outskirts of Hyderabad. The facility has an annual production capacity of 24 million litres.
Opposition parties ask why this major investment was made in Telangana instead of Andhra Pradesh. They argue that if investments by other companies in Telangana are criticized, the ruling leadership should first explain why its own associated company chose to invest outside Andhra Pradesh.
Opposition Alleges Double Standards
The opposition maintains that the actions taken against Amara Raja during the previous government were based on environmental compliance and not political persecution.
They further argue that the coalition government has failed to bring fresh investments from even companies closely associated with its own leadership into Andhra Pradesh. According to them, criticizing other businesses while making similar investment decisions reflects a double standard.
The opposition has therefore demanded that the government first provide a clear explanation regarding Heritage Foods’ investment in Telangana before using the Amara Raja issue for political criticism.
