IT Minister Nara Lokesh is moving fast to attract new investments to Andhra Pradesh. He’s also pushing hard to draw investors from neighbouring states, especially Karnataka, to regions like Anantapur and other border areas.
Opinions differ on Lokesh’s aggressive approach toward Karnataka, but it’s clearly influencing politics there. His strategy is creating visible ripples beyond Andhra borders.
Recently, Infosys founder Narayana Murthy and his wife, Rajya Sabha MP Sudha Murthy, refused to take part in Karnataka’s caste survey conducted by the Congress government. Sudha Murthy reportedly signed a form stating they don’t belong to any backward community and saw no need to participate. The note quickly spread across social media.
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah reacted sharply. “That’s up to them. This isn’t a backward-class survey. If they haven’t understood, what can I do? Just because they’re Infosys are they all-knowing? We’ve said many times that it’s a complete population survey,” he said.
Union Steel Minister HD Kumaraswamy criticised the Karnataka government for disrespecting industrialists. He condemned Siddaramaiah’s remarks towards Narayana Murthy and Sudha Murthy. “It’s wrong to act as if we don’t need them. What if Infosys moves all its operations to Andhra Pradesh?” he questioned.
That statement alone shows how much attention Andhra Pradesh and Nara Lokesh are drawing. His energetic push has turned the state into a serious investment hotspot.
This growing visibility creates positive word of mouth. The more people discuss Lokesh’s efforts, the more free publicity Andhra Pradesh receives and that always helps when it’s about jobs and investments.
