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Date: October 24, 2024

Bengaluru Faces Infrastructure Woes, Lokesh Invites MNCs to AP

Bengaluru’s Struggles Open Doors for AP for MNCs

As Bengaluru battles infrastructure challenges, Andhra Pradesh minister Nara Lokesh has extended an invitation to multinational companies (MNCs) to consider Andhra Pradesh (AP) as a better alternative. His comments follow a critical series of tweets by former Infosys CFO Mohandas Pai, who openly expressed frustration over Bengaluru’s declining infrastructure and governance. The former CFO criticized Karnataka’s Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy CM DK Shivakumar for failing to address critical issues like roads, drainage, and traffic management, which have been hindering the city’s reputation as India’s Silicon Valley.

AP’s Business-Friendly Policies Under Naidu by MNCs to AP

Nara Lokesh, the general secretary of the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and son of Andhra Pradesh CM N. Chandrababu Naidu, emphasized that AP’s business-friendly policies and improving infrastructure could make it a preferred destination for global businesses. Lokesh stated that under the leadership of Naidu, Andhra Pradesh is focusing on providing a world-class business ecosystem. He invited MNCs to explore Amaravati, which he believes has the potential to become the next IT hub in India.

Mohandas Pai’s Concerns About Bengaluru

Pai’s dissatisfaction with Bengaluru’s deteriorating infrastructure came to light through his social media posts. The relentless rains in the city have exacerbated the situation, causing severe drainage issues and traffic congestion, especially on the Outer Ring Road (ORR), a key area for MNCs. Pai remarked that the current Congress government had failed to fulfill its promises, causing a dip in trust levels among businesses. He also warned that many companies were beginning to consider expanding their operations outside Bengaluru due to the ongoing issues.

Skepticism Around Andhra’s Readiness

While Lokesh’s invitation seems promising, Mohandas Pai remained skeptical about Andhra Pradesh’s readiness to attract businesses. He pointed out that trust levels in AP were low due to past governance under Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy. According to Pai, Amaravati needs significant development in human capital and improved connectivity to make it an appealing option for businesses. He also emphasized that visible progress must be made before MNCs can confidently relocate.

Pai further noted that the damage done by the previous government in AP has hurt the state’s reputation, and that action is needed to restore investor confidence. He urged Andhra Pradesh to take lessons from the development of Hyderabad. Which Chandrababu Naidu spearheaded during his previous tenure as CM of united Andhra Pradesh.

Naidu’s Challenge: Rebuilding Trust

This exchange between Pai and Lokesh should prompt Chandrababu Naidu to focus on visibly enhancing Amaravati’s infrastructure and business environment. The current leadership must demonstrate tangible progress to attract MNCs and make Andhra Pradesh a viable alternative to Bengaluru.

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