Andhra Pradesh IT Minister Nara Lokesh recently sparked a war of words with Karnataka’s leadership over the state’s investment strategies. Following Google’s announcement of a $15 billion AI data center in Visakhapatnam, Lokesh responded to Karnataka IT Minister Priyank Kharge’s criticism by quipping on social media, “They say Andhra food is spicy. Seems some of our investments are too. Some neighbours are already feeling the burn!”
Kharge had labeled Andhra’s incentive package to Google, including full GST reimbursement and subsidies totaling ₹22,000 crore, as an “economic disaster.” In retaliation, Lokesh mocked Karnataka’s infrastructure issues, suggesting that Bengaluru’s deteriorating roads were prompting businesses to consider relocating to Andhra Pradesh.
