25 industrial projects moved out of Tamil Nadu during DMK government’s rule, alleges Minister

Minister for Industries S. Keerthana on Monday alleged that 25 industrial investment projects, involving a total investment of ₹3.3 lakh crore, had moved to other States during the five years of the previous DMK government. “Tamil Nadu’s youth lost employment opportunities amounting to 2.03 lakh jobs because of this migration,” she told reporters while responding to the DMK’s allegation that industries had shifted to Andhra Pradesh during the last 30 days. “No project has moved to Andhra Pradesh during our tenure,” she said. The Minister said Hindalco had not held any discussions with the Tamil Nadu government regarding a proposed investment. “The company is already operating in Andhra Pradesh, where it manufactures aluminium components for iPhones. It acquired Hydro Aluminium Extrusion, which is functioning in Kuppam. It is easier for the company to expand its existing operations there rather than establish a new unit elsewhere. The present expansion proposal relates to its Andhra Pradesh facility,” she said. Ms. Keerthana added Reliance had not entered into any agreement with the Tamil Nadu government to set up a battery storage or solar manufacturing unit. “Reliance has informed the government that it has not taken any final decision on the project. Any announcement will be made only after its annual general meeting,” she added.