Chennai
oi-Prakash KL
A demand to shut down a JK Tyre plant in Ranipet has triggered online ridicule after netizens pointed out that the company does not list any manufacturing facility in the district.
Ranipet MLA Tahira had demanded that the TVK government shut down the JK Tyre unit, alleging that it was causing severe environmental damage.
Ranipet MLA Tahira’s call to shut a JK Tyre plant due to pollution faced ridicule as netizens confirmed the company has no manufacturing unit in Ranipet, Tamil Nadu, with its state facility located in the Kancheepuram district.
Speaking in the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly, Tahira said the plant operated through the night and caused pollution, while accusing the previous administration of failing to act despite protests by local residents.
“The JK Tyres plant in Ranipet operates through the night, causing severe environmental damage during the day. Local residents have staged protests over this, but the previous administration failed to take any action. That company must be shut down under our government; we do not need it,” The Commune quoted the first-time MLA as saying.
Responding to the MLA, Industries and Investment Promotion Minister S Keerthana said the government would seek to balance employment and environmental concerns.
“The MLA has called for the closure of JK Tyres. While we must certainly provide jobs for the youth and ensure companies operate here, I wish to state that we will take measures to ensure environmental protection and implement necessary legal amendments to ensure the company continues to operate in Tamil Nadu,” she said.
Former Industries, Investment Promotions and Commerce Minister Dr TRB Rajaa also criticised the demand.
ராணிப்பேட்டையில் JK டயர்ஸ் ஆலையை இழுத்து மூட வேண்டும் என சட்டப் பேரவையில் தவெக எம்.எல்.ஏ கோரிக்கை#SunNews | #Ranipet | #TNAssembly | #TVK pic.twitter.com/jecCEmxFzo
— Sun News (@sunnewstamil) September 3, 2026
Reacting to Tahira’s remarks, Rajaa wrote on X, “WHAT is wrong with these people! If there is pollution issues then take action and rectify it! Calling for an outright shutdown is madness and sends out a very poor signal to #Industry circles! [sic]”
He added, “Am absolutely distraught at the way our #TamilNadu’s professional stature is being sullied and squandered by such immatured senseless statements🤦🏾”
However, the remarks soon drew mockery on social media, with several users pointing out that JK Tyre does not list a manufacturing plant in Ranipet.
It’s convenient to preach ” keeping politics out of industry” when facts dont suit you, while using the exact same playbook to build favorable narratives.
Good governance requires nuance, and we refuse to operate in binaries. Dont worry sir, we can balance jobs and… https://t.co/SbIwGgAp0m pic.twitter.com/OFYW8eEqSA
— Virudhai Magal Keerthana (@Keerthana4VNR) September 3, 2026
According to JK Tyre’s official website, the company’s manufacturing facilities in India are located in Banmore in Madhya Pradesh, Kankroli in Rajasthan, Mysore in Karnataka, Chennai in Tamil Nadu and Haridwar in Uttarakhand. Its Tamil Nadu facility is located in Kancheepuram district.
One user wrote, “Assembly seems to be mockery of people tax money, time and accountability. There is no JK tyre company in Ranipet. In fact @JKTyreCorporate should sue tamilnadu govt and it’s MLA for defaming them in Assembly.”
Another commented, “MLA asks Govt. to close JK Tyres factory in Ranipettai.
Ministers stands up and replies for that.
Fun fact: THERE IS NO JK TYRE FACTORY IN RANIPET ASSEMBLY!
Asking a factory that doesn’t exist to be closed is first clownery, Minister replying to it is seasoning to the clownery.”
A third user said, “JK Tyre has no factory in Ranipet.
Yet two ministers answered an MLA’s question about shutting it down-and TRB jumps in to oppose it.
We’ve reached peak governance: shut down a factory that never existed, then defend its closure.”
