Vemireddy Quits Quartz Business Amid Flurry Of Allegations
He claimed that the accusations were politically motivated and baseless.
Tirupati:Facing a barrage of allegations over alleged irregularities in quartz exports, Nellore MP Vemireddy Prabhakar Reddy on Wednesday announced his withdrawal from the quartz business.
He claimed that the accusations were politically motivated and baseless.
“I entered this sector with honest intentions, to create jobs and contribute to industrial growth in line with the alliance government’s policies. But instead of encouragement, I am facing attacks. I am stepping away from the business, and this chapter ends here,” he told the media in Nellore.
Responding to criticism that he benefited disproportionately from quartz exports, Vemireddy clarified that during the period from July 2024 to June 2025, a total of 1,60,604 tonnes of quartz were exported to China through the Chennai port by 96 companies. Of this, only 19,608 tonnes was exported through his companies Phini Quartz and Lakshmi Quartz Sand Pvt Ltd, he said.
He questioned how such a small share could be used to accuse him of large-scale profiteering.
The MP said that between January 2023 and June 2024, nearly 9.67 lakh tonnes of quartz were exported through the same port. “Compared to the overall volume, my contribution was minimal. Yet, I’m being singled out and targeted,” he said.
Vemireddy said he aimed at setting up a `400 crore project. A team had been sent to China to explore the viability of quartz for use in manufacturing crucibles. However, all such plans have now been shelved.
He also dismissed claims that he was using public money for his philanthropic work. Rather, all the recent initiatives, including the distribution of electric tricycles to differently-abled individuals and the upcoming ‘VPR Nethra’ eye-care programme, are funded from my personal resources.”
Vemireddy said while he was stepping away from the quartz industry, he would support anyone who wished to take up the business with integrity. “Quartz has potential, especially in solar manufacturing. But I’m done with it.”
