The digital arena has become the latest battleground for the IT Ministers of Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka, Nara Lokesh and Priyank Kharge, as they engage in a public spat over investments and state debt.
Andhra Pradesh’s IT Minister, Nara Lokesh, kicked off the latest exchange on X, remarking, “They say Andhra food is spicy. Seems some of our investments are too. Some neighbours are already feeling the burn!” He proudly announced that Andhra Pradesh, the ‘youngest state’ in India, has secured significant investments, notably referring to Google’s USD 15 billion commitment for AI data centers in Vizag.
Responding to Lokesh’s jab, Karnataka’s IT Minister, Priyank Kharge, offered a cautious perspective. “Everyone enjoys a bit of spice in their food, but just as nutritionists recommend a balanced diet, economists too advocate a balanced budget,” he stated, highlighting that Andhra Pradesh’s total liabilities have surged to approximately ₹10 lakh crore.
Kharge further pointed out that under the N Chandrababu Naidu-led government, Andhra Pradesh has accumulated ₹1.61 lakh crore in debt in just one year. He also noted a concerning trend, with the state’s revenue deficit to GSDP worsening from 2.6% to 3.6%.
Kharge concluded his retort with a popular advertising tagline, “Neighbour’s envy and Owner’s pride.”
This exchange follows previous online skirmishes, including Kharge’s criticism of Lokesh’s efforts to attract businesses from Bengaluru, which he labeled as ‘desperate scavenging’ and ‘parasitic behavior’. The ministers have previously traded barbs, particularly after Lokesh attempted to lure logistics startup BlackBuck to Vizag.