TVK Ranipet MLA wants non-existent factory closure, criticizes it on social media

Ranipet MLA I.Thahira. | Photo credit: JOTHI RAMALINGAM B

The company, which did not exist in the region, came under fire at a rally in Tamil Nadu on Thursday, where Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) Ranipet MLA I. Thahira demanded its closure, saying it was causing severe pollution in her constituency. She mentioned that JK Tires is polluting the region. “Under our regime, we should close that company down,” she said. She also said that people in the area have been holding protests but no action has been taken.

The matter took an interesting turn when Environment and Climate Change Minister VK Rajeev immediately reacted in the House asking the Ranipet MLA to share the details and assured her that he would ask the officials to look into the matter immediately.

JK Tire has only one manufacturing facility in Tamil Nadu which is located in Sriperumbudur.

Former Tamil Nadu Industries Minister TRB Rajaa immediately took to social media and posted a comment on X saying, “And now this TVK MLA wants to shut down @JKTyreCorporate. WHAT IS WRONG WITH THESE PEOPLE! If there are pollution issues, take action and fix it! Calling for complete shutdown of the circle is madness and sends #Industry a” “Absolutely distraught at how the professional standing of our #TamilNadu is sullied and wasted by such immature nonsense,” he added.

And now this TVK MLA wants to shut down @JKTyreCorporate 🤦🏾🤦🏾🤦🏾

WHAT is wrong with these people! If there are pollution problems, take action to fix it! Calling after a complete shutdown is madness and sends a very bad signal #Industry circles!

I am absolutely… https://t.co/q1cyL5NzqP

—Dr. TRB Rajaa (@TRBRajaa) September 3, 2026

In another post, Mr. Rajaa mentioned, “I did a little research on JkTyre which TVK MLA asked to close down. I know there is one factory in Kanchipuram district but I didn’t know it was in Ranipet district. So we looked for major subsidiaries to manufacture for @JKTyreCorporate but still couldn’t find anything big and non polluting company” Then I didn’t find anything big and i didn’t pollute at ranipet TVK MLA is said to have called a tire retreading shop as “JKTyre company” One thing is clear one should not take anything TVK MLAs say as hard facts just like their reels but wonder why their own government has acknowledged this and even defended it. “To them, the retail treadmill seems to be a polluting industry that deserves a question raised in assembly rather than asking local authorities to take action. This is the kind of ‘industry’ they are after!” he added.

I did a little research on JkTyre which TVK MLA asked to shut down. I know there is one factory in Kanchipuram district but I didn’t know it was in Ranipet district. So we were looking for large subsidiaries to manufacture for @JKTyreCorporate… pic.twitter.com/9DSdp2vcM5

—Dr. TRB Rajaa (@TRBRajaa) September 3, 2026

Later in the evening, Tamil Nadu Industries Minister S. Keerthana appeared in X and wrote: The JK Tire unit at Ranipet was mentioned in today’s rally. On verification, JK Tire does not have a manufacturing facility in Ranipet. However, the environmental issue raised by the Honorable Member will be investigated to identify the non-JK tire unit concerned and appropriate action will be taken wherever necessary. “My reply in the House was on a broader and important principle, Tamil Nadu needs industry and jobs, but growth cannot come at the expense of environmental compliance. Both must go together. JK Tire has also clarified that its operations are in compliance with all applicable statutory environmental clearances and regulatory requirements. It is also important to note that JK Tire has recently reaffirmed its confidence in Tamil Nadu by signing an MoU with Guidance Tamil Nadu at an investment conclave VETTRI Tamil Nadu for an investment of ₹ 5,143 crore with the potential to create 3,510 employment opportunities,” she said in her post.

JK tire unit in Ranipet was mentioned in today’s rally. On verification, JK Tire does not have a manufacturing facility in Ranipet. However, the environmental issue raised by the honorable member will be investigated to identify the affected non-JK tire unit and… pic.twitter.com/9eIi6vaDX3

— Virudhai Magal Keerthana (@Keerthana4VNR) September 3, 2026

JK Tire released an official statement saying, “Referring to the recent comments on our operations in the state, we categorically state that our plant is fully compliant with statutory approvals to date and will remain so in the future. We have not committed any violations of any kind as the health and safety of the communities surrounding our plant in Tamil Nadu is critical to how we continue to operate and manufacture.”

Published – 04 Sep 2026 0:04 IST