Chennai: Tamil Nadu Industries Minister Keerthana on Monday claimed that 25 investment projects moved from Tamil Nadu to other states during the previous DMK government’s five-year term, with a combined value of Rs 3.30 lakh crore. She said the shift resulted in the loss of 2.03 lakh job opportunities for the state’s youth.
Speaking to reporters at the Secretariat, the minister alleged that delays in granting approvals and corruption in the clearance process were key reasons for investors relocating. She also took aim at Opposition Leader Udhayanidhi, saying he made an allegation in the Assembly and left without substantiating it.
Keerthana said seven states benefited from the projects that moved out. Citing examples from 2024, she said Tata Electronics’ semiconductor design project went to Gujarat, JSW Group’s electric vehicle battery and smelting project moved to Odisha, while Suzuki Motor’s automobile project and Micron Technology’s ATMP project also went to Gujarat. She added that Toyota Motor’s project shifted to Maharashtra.
Responding to criticism that investments were being diverted to Andhra Pradesh in recent weeks, she said no project had exited Tamil Nadu in the last 40 days. She said the Adani Green Energy pumped storage project signed at the Global Investors Meet continues in Tamil Nadu, and that talks are progressing to bring a CAPS satellite centre to the state.
The minister said the government had reached out to Hyundai when its plans were “at risk” and assured support to retain it. She added that steps are being taken to sign MoUs with companies including Modine and Yusang, and announced that the state would provide approvals for starting industries within 21 days to curb delays and alleged bribery in the process.
