Newly appointed Tamil Nadu Industries Minister S. Keerthana and Andhra Pradesh IT and Electronics Minister Nara Lokesh engaged in a cordial exchange on social media on Thursday, showcasing the growing competition among states to attract investments and create jobs.
The interaction began with Keerthana posting a strong pitch for Tamil Nadu as an emerging hub for future technologies and advanced industries.
“Tamil Nadu is not waiting for the future; we are building it. From single-window approvals and faster clearances to AI cities, green hydrogen, advanced manufacturing and the space economy, Tamil Nadu is creating an ecosystem where innovation meets execution,” she wrote on X.
Highlighting the state government’s vision, she added: “Under the visionary leadership of Hon’ble Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay Sir, we are committed to making Tamil Nadu the investment and innovation powerhouse of India. The future is here. Invest in Tamil Nadu.”
The post quickly drew the attention of Andhra Pradesh minister Nara Lokesh, who responded in a positive and competitive tone.
He appreciated Keerthana’s proactive outreach to investors while asserting that Andhra Pradesh would offer “healthy competition” to Tamil Nadu.
“Dear Keerthana garu, appreciate your proactive outreach to investors. Every Industries Minister today has to actively market their state, engage with investors, and build confidence among job creators,” Lokesh posted on X.
Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s emphasis on competitive federalism and economic growth, Lokesh said: “Hon’ble PM Shri Narendra Modi ji himself has repeatedly encouraged states to become proactive and accelerate India’s growth cycle.”
He further added: “#AndhraPradesh will, of course, offer Tamil Nadu healthy competition!”
In a remark apparently aimed at criticism and online trolling surrounding the interaction, Lokesh said: “And ignore the noise — trolls don’t create jobs. Investments do!”
Keerthana later responded to Lokesh, thanking him for the encouragement and reiterating her commitment to employment generation and youth empowerment in Tamil Nadu.
“Thank you, Lokesh garu. I will continue to work hard and do everything I can to create opportunities for the people of Tamil Nadu, especially the youth whom I represent, with sincerity, humility and determination,” she posted.
The exchange has attracted considerable attention on social media, with many users describing it as an example of healthy political competition focused on economic development rather than confrontation.
