Lokesh flags PILs against major IT projects, blames attempts to derail AP&s job creation

Minister for IT, Electronics and Communications Nara Lokesh, on Friday slammed the filing of a series of Public Interest Litigations (PILs) against major IT park projects in Andhra Pradesh, stating that such actions directly threaten employment opportunities for the youth of the State.

In a post on social media platform X, Lokesh pointed out that PILs have been moved against IT park developments by leading companies including TCS, Cognizant, Sattva Group and now Raheja Corp in Visakhapatnam.

He noted that these projects together represent employment potential of over one lakh jobs for Andhra Pradesh.

In the posting on X, he stated "@YSRCParty has moved PILs against TCS, Cognizant, Sattva and now Raheja IT parks – projects that together mean over 1 lakh jobs for #AndhraPradesh. @ysjagan, why this hatred towards the future of our youth? Why sabotage AP at every step?”

The latest PIL has been filed against the land allotment for Raheja Corp’s proposed IT Park in Visakhapatnam. The petitioner, G. Srinivasa Rao of the ‘Society for Protection of Constitution’, was represented by senior counsel Ponnavolu Sudhakar Reddy.

Lokesh said that the repeated filing of PILs against marquee investments sends a deeply negative signal to investors and undermines Andhra Pradesh’s efforts to position itself as a leading destination for technology, innovation and high-quality employment.

He emphasised that the coalition government is committed to transparent, lawful and investor-friendly processes, and will firmly defend projects that create livelihoods and economic growth.

He asserted that Andhra Pradesh cannot afford politically motivated obstruction of development at a time when the State is focused on rebuilding investor confidence, attracting global companies, and securing opportunities for its young population.

“The future of Andhra Pradesh lies in jobs, skills and growth. Any attempt to stall such projects is an attack on the aspirations of our youth,” Lokesh said, reiterating the government’s resolve to protect development and ensure the State continues to move forward.