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Summary:

A political spat has erupted between Tamil Nadu’s DMK and AIADMK parties, with Andhra Pradesh’s TDP joining in, over Google’s decision to invest $15 billion in a data and AI hub in Vizag, Andhra Pradesh, rather than Tamil Nadu. The AIADMK criticizes the DMK for failing to attract the investment despite Google CEO Sundar Pichai’s Tamil heritage. The DMK defends itself by highlighting other large investments secured for Tamil Nadu. Andhra’s Nara Lokesh has publicly celebrated the “win,” also taking jabs at Karnataka regarding investment and infrastructure issues. This is the latest episode in a series of political squabbles over investments and infrastructure between these southern states.

News Article:

Southern States Trade Barbs Over Google’s $15 Billion Investment in Andhra Pradesh

Chennai/Hyderabad/Bangalore, [Date] – A political firestorm has ignited in South India following Google’s announcement that it will invest $15 billion in a data and AI hub in Visakhapatnam (Vizag), Andhra Pradesh. The decision has sparked a war of words between Tamil Nadu’s ruling DMK party and the opposition AIADMK, with Andhra Pradesh’s Telugu Desam Party (TDP) adding fuel to the fire.

The AIADMK has criticized Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin and his DMK government for failing to attract the massive investment, pointing to Google CEO Sundar Pichai’s Tamil roots as a missed opportunity. “The DMK missed a historic opportunity to ensure the creation of the data and AI hub in the state,” said AIADMK leader RB Udayakumar. They claim that despite Pichai being from Tamil Nadu, the DMK government failed to invite the company to establish its AI infrastructure hub.

In response, Tamil Nadu’s Industries Minister TRB Raaja highlighted the state’s success in securing a Rs 15,000 crore investment from Foxconn, demonstrating that the state is still attractive to foreign investors.

Andhra Pradesh Minister Nara Lokesh of the TDP, whose party is allied with the BJP, wasted no time in celebrating Google’s decision. He posted a screenshot of an NDTV report with the caption “He chose Bharat,” accompanied by an Indian flag emoji, in an apparent jab at Tamil Nadu.

This isn’t the first time Lokesh has publicly celebrated Andhra Pradesh’s success in attracting investment. Last week, he took aim at Karnataka over concerns about infrastructure and traffic congestion, after Bangalore based businessman spoke of relocating his office because of traffic jams and potholed roads.

The investment dispute comes amid broader concerns over infrastructure and investment across the southern states, with disagreements over potholes, road quality, and the business environment.

The battle for investments and economic growth continues to intensify amongst the southern states of India, with each vying for a piece of the pie.

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