TN BJP Questions Rs 1,370-Crore Investment Plans Of Hwashin, Seoyon, Seeks 'Real Facts'

The Tamil Nadu BJP on Thursday questioned the state government's presentation of the Rs 1,370-crore investment plans announced by South Korean companies Hwashin and Seoyon, describing them as routine expansions of existing facilities rather than fresh projects.

BJP chief spokesperson Narayanan Thirupathy said Industries Minister S Keerthana was attempting to portray the companies' expansion plans as a major achievement, although both firms already operate manufacturing facilities in Tamil Nadu.

"Presenting them as a major achievement that offsets or replaces new projects elsewhere is misleading. We don't want reels – we want real facts," Thirupathy said in a statement.

He pointed out that earlier in November, Hwashin, Seoyon and Iwamet had signed memoranda of understanding (MoUs) with the Andhra Pradesh government for investments worth approximately Rs 1,614 crore to establish new manufacturing facilities in Anantapur. The projects are expected to generate around 1,418 jobs.

In contrast, Hwashin and Seoyon submitted Letters of Intent to the Tamil Nadu government on November 11 for investing Rs 1,370 crore over the next five years to expand their existing operations. The proposed investments cover capacity enhancement, modernisation, research and development, localisation and new business lines. No specific employment figures were announced for the Tamil Nadu plans, he claimed.

Thirupathy said expansions of existing facilities were normal business activities and should not be equated with attracting new manufacturing units and creating fresh employment opportunities.

He also accused the TVK government of attempting to cover up its alleged failure to secure new investments and urged it to prevent further investment losses.

Earlier, Keerthana welcomed the companies' investment plans, describing them as a reaffirmation of their confidence in Tamil Nadu. She said the government, under Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay, remained committed to building an ecosystem that encourages businesses to grow, innovate and generate employment.