Even as the DMK continued to allege that many industries were choosing neighbouring Andhra Pradesh over Tamil Nadu for investments, the AIADMK government contended in the Assembly on Friday that the State continued to be a prime destination for investors, and that efforts were on to attract more investment.
Countering DMK member I. Periyasamy’s (Athoor) claim that there has not been a follow-up on the Memorandum of Understandings signed by the State government with investors, Industries Minister M.C. Sampath said that Tamil Nadu received more foreign direct investment (FDI) during the AIADMK regime than the erstwhile DMK regime.
Mr. Periyasamy insisted that there was a need to focus on manufacturing and agro-based industries in the State and urged that the State government ensure favourable conditions for investments.
Mr. Sampath maintained that Tamil Nadu continued to be a safe haven for investors, with no law and order problems.
When Mr. Periyasamy claimed that spinning mills from Tamil Nadu were setting up shop in Odisha and Andhra Pradesh, Mr. Sampath said they were “not happy there”. Housing Minister Udumalai K. Radhakrishnan intervened, saying investors from Tirupur were happy with the State government and have assured that they would remain in the State.
‘A policy decision’
As for Mr. Periyasamy’s claim that Kia Motors chose Andhra Pradesh over Tamil Nadu for investment, Mr. Sampath said it was the company’s policy decision not to invest in a State in which its sister concern Hyundai had already invested.
Minister P. Thangamani, who held the Industries portfolio earlier, said he had a letter from Kia as early as 2015, in which it made it clear that it was its policy decision not to invest in Tamil Nadu.
Corruption charge
Later, DMK MLA T.R.B. Rajaa (Mannargudi) referred to a social media post by Mr. Kannan Ramasamy, managing director of Infratech Infrastructure Services Private Limited, contending that his comments alleged corruption. Mr. Sampath and Mr. Thangamani responded saying a case had been registered against the individual in question, adding they were not aware of who he was.
When the Mannargudi MLA referred to a Greek philosopher’s quote and made a reference to the State government, the Chair expunged certain remarks.
Referring to a report that appeared in The Hindu on Friday, Mr. Rajaa urged the State government to ensure the safety of women who work in IT and IT-enabled industries.
