Kochi: Kitex Garments Managing Director Sabu Jacob launched a scathing attack on Kerala’s Industries Minister P Rajeev and the state government on Sunday, alleging that the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF), in coordination with officials, collectively targeted his company.

Addressing a press conference, Sabu Jacob said, "Not even a minor legal violation was found against this organisation. It was out of sheer frustration that I decided to relocate our ₹3,500 crore investment out of Kerala. Minister P. Rajeev’s comment that Andhra Pradesh is ‘very bad’ is typical of his style."

He further criticised the minister, stating, "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."

Responding to Rajeev’s remark that “one should think for oneself to attain peace of mind”, Sabu 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. I don’t need favours from anyone. This is not Rajeev’s money, nor LDF’s favour, nor Pinarayi’s property. This is wealth earned through hard work. I will decide when to stop and when to leave.”

Sabu also recalled a prolonged strike against his company, allegedly backed by the Left Front. “They even led a 565-day state-level strike to shut down our operations. Eventually, the strike was called off only after strict intervention and directions from the High Court,” he said.

He reiterated that Kitex faced significant harassment from the state government in 2021, which led to the decision to shift the ₹3,500 crore investment elsewhere. He added that the company later received an invitation from Telangana.

P Rajeev responds: "Kitex grew on Kerala’s soil"

In response, Industries Minister P Rajeev defended the state’s record, stating that Kerala ranks first in attracting foreign investment, ahead of Andhra Pradesh and Punjab.

“Sabu Jacob’s comments sound more like those of a political party leader than an industrialist. Those who said they would leave Kerala are still here. Their business continues without obstruction,” Rajeev said.

“To have peace of mind, one should reflect internally. Kerala is ahead of Andhra Pradesh in several areas. Kitex has flourished on Kerala’s soil. Even Chandrababu Naidu has praised the state’s industrial environment,” the minister added.