THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Social media mocked Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan's claim that Kerala is one of the most investment friendly state. Criticism is that Kerala is not even in the top ten list of industrial friendly states and union territories in the country. Kerala was ranked 28th in the fourth edition of the list prepared by the Department of Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade.

The Chief Minister was responding to the Goenka Group's congratulatory tweet that the state government was giving them great support.

"Thank you @hvgoenka for allaying the apprehensions over Kerala's EoDB. Your honesty is much appreciated. Kerala has been one of the most investor friendly States in India and will continue to be so. The LDF Govt. ensures that sustainable and innovative industries thrive here", CM Vijayan tweeted.

But later on social media, ridicule arose against the CM's claim. The position in the central government's Ease of Doing Business list is the official criterion for whether states are investor friendly. The latest list gives 29 positions for 36 states and union territories. Political observer Sreejith Panicker also pointed out that Kerala ranks 28th in it. In the wake of the Kitex controversy, it is already being debated why Kerala is lagging behind in the industry friendly list.