Kitex Vs Kerala Industries Minister: Andhra Delegation's Invite To Textile Company Sets Off Latest Round Of War Of Words

The ongoing tussle between Kitex Garments and the Kerala government escalated further after a high-level delegation from Andhra Pradesh recently visited the company’s headquarters in Kochi, reportedly in an effort to woo fresh investments.

The visit came amidst renewed tensions, with Kitex Managing Director Sabu Jacob launching a blistering attack on Kerala’s Industries Minister P Rajeev and the Left Democratic Front (LDF) government.

Speaking at a press conference, Jacob alleged that his company was the target of a coordinated campaign by the LDF and state officials as reported by Mathrubhumi News.

“Not even a minor legal violation was found against this organisation. It was out of sheer frustration that I decided to relocate our Rs 3,500 crore investment out of Kerala,” he said.

Taking a swipe at Rajeev’s remarks on Andhra Pradesh, he added, “Minister P Rajeev’s comment that Andhra Pradesh is ‘very bad’ is typical of his style.”

Jacob went on to accuse the minister of treating the state as personal property. “Kerala is a state of India, not anyone’s ancestral property. That is what needs to be understood. Listening to Rajeev, one might think the state belongs to him,” he remarked.

Responding to Minister Rajeev’s “one should think for oneself to attain peace of mind” jibe, Jacob said, “That statement has a deeper meaning. If the concerned individuals are ‘seen’ properly, my peace of mind is assured. I don’t seek such peace of mind.”

He also recalled a 565-day-long strike allegedly backed by the Left, which he said was only ended after High Court intervention.

“This is not Rajeev’s money, nor LDF’s favour, nor Pinarayi’s property. This is wealth earned through hard work,” he stated.

Kitex has since opened a manufacturing unit in Telangana and recently hosted a grand T20-themed party to mark its expansion.

Meanwhile, Minister Rajeev dismissed the allegations, stating that Sabu’s comments were those of a political leader. “He is the president of a political party and speaks with political interests."

Rajeev insisted, “Kitex has flourished on Kerala’s soil,” defending the state’s industrial credentials.

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