Minister says Centre favours BJP-ruled states, cites ₹22,000 crore incentive to Andhra Pradesh
BENGALURU
Industries Minister M.B. Patil accused the Narendra Modi-led Union government of playing “political games” that have resulted in industries shifting from Karnataka to Andhra Pradesh.
Speaking to reporters, Patil alleged that the Centre was deliberately favouring states aligned with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). “The Centre’s partiality is clear — Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu has admitted that because he supports the BJP, the Central government has sanctioned incentives worth ₹22,000 crore. It is due to this, Google has chosen to invest there,” he said.
He further claimed that the investment was a “gift” from Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Naidu for his political support. “Despite Karnataka completing all discussions with potential investors, decisions are reversed once they reach Delhi. Even in the case of high-tech industries like semiconductors, the Centre is directing them to BJP-ruled states,” he alleged.
Patil, however, maintained that Karnataka continues to be an attractive destination for investors. “Karnataka offers a strong industrial ecosystem, abundant skilled manpower, and pro-industry policies. There is a misconception that industries are leaving Karnataka — not a single one has shifted to neighbouring states,” he asserted.
Highlighting the state’s recent successes, he said Karnataka has attracted investments worth ₹10.27 lakh crore following the Global Investors’ Meet. “Japanese and Korean firms alone are investing ₹6,500 crore. Honda has shown interest in expanding operations, and Foxconn is setting up its second-largest manufacturing unit in Karnataka after China,” he added.
Karnataka Sees Surge in Investments Post Global Investors’ Meet
Since the Congress government assumed office, the Global Investors’ Summit held in February has led to major capital inflows. Of the ₹10.27 lakh crore committed, over 60 per cent of projects have already gone online, creating thousands of new jobs.
“Karnataka’s industrial policy is business-friendly and designed to attract sustainable, long-term investments,” Minister M.B. Patil said, adding that the state remains one of India’s most preferred destinations for global investors.
