Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh are locked in a public fight over investment opportunities and infrastructure. The dispute heated up after Google announced a $15 billion investment in Andhra Pradesh for a data and AI hub. According to NDTV, the decision prompted sharp reactions from Karnataka officials who questioned Andhra’s reported Rs 22,000 crore in subsidies and tax waivers.
Andhra minister defends aggressive investment push
Andhra Pradesh HRD Minister Nara Lokesh defended his state’s approach. He told NDTV his state already attracted over $120 billion in investment. Lokesh said Karnataka should fix its own problems first. He pointed to power cuts and poor infrastructure in Bengaluru.
Lokesh began his campaign in mid-September. He responded to complaints from Bengaluru business owners about long commutes and bad roads. He offered Vizag and Anantapur as alternatives. Anantapur is closer to Bengaluru and is building an aerospace and defence ecosystem.
Business leaders criticize Bengaluru conditions
Biocon chief Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw sparked fresh controversy with a social media post. She quoted a Chinese visitor who asked why Bengaluru roads are so bad and why there is so much garbage. The visitor questioned whether the government wants to support investment.
City residents also threatened to stop paying property tax unless officials repair potholes and fix infrastructure. The complaints forced Karnataka leaders to respond.
Karnataka defends its tech hub status
Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar dismissed the criticism. He said no one can match Bengaluru’s infrastructure, startups, human resources, and innovations. He told reporters on Tuesday that 13,000 potholes have been filled so far. The state plans a Rs 1,100-crore action plan for a permanent solution.
Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge welcomed constructive criticism but rejected negativity. He blamed unprecedented rains, high growth, and massive urbanization for the infrastructure problems. He cited Bengaluru’s GDP growth of 8.5 per cent annually until 2035. This could make it the fastest growing city in the world.
Kharge also took a jab at Andhra Pradesh. He compared weaker ecosystems feeding off stronger ones. The Janata Dal Secular also criticized the Congress government for failing to resolve electricity and water supply issues.
