With the announcement of Google’s investment in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh is becoming an investment destination. As the investment flow in Andhra Pradesh increases, leaders from neighboring Karnataka are expressing concern. Moreover, this issue is also creating political turmoil.
The investment competition between Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka is clearly visible. While the AP government is attracting investors with attractive industrial policies and easy approvals process, Karnataka is struggling with lack of infrastructure and political instability. Industry groups believe that this is a sign of the beginning of a new “investment race” between the two states.
Former Karnataka Chief Minister and presently Union Steel Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy has expressed deep anger over the Karnataka government’s behavior. “It is not right to treat industrialists inappropriately. It is outrageous for Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to speak in a way that insults Infosys co-founder Narayana Murthy and Rajya Sabha member Sudha Murthy,” he lamented.
“What will happen if Infosys moves its entire operations to Andhra Pradesh? It will be a loss for Karnataka to act as if don’t need you,” Kumaraswamy warned. His comments have created a stir not only in Karnataka politics but also in the industrial circles. It is as if he has openly expressed his concern that there is a possibility of industries and investments shifting from Karnataka to Andhra Pradesh.
Biocon CMD Kiran Majumdar Shah’s comments on the poor condition of roads in Bengaluru have also caused discomfort to the government. She tweeted that the roads are full of potholes and traffic problems are serious. Deputy CM DK Shivakumar indirectly responded to this, saying, “It is easy to criticize, some are going too far.” “We welcome criticism. But some are going too far. Those who started businesses here and grew up here have forgotten their roots,” he added.
Kumaraswamy also slammed the government on this. “If the Biocon CMD tells the real situation, why criticize her for lying? No new work is happening. Projects that are short of funds are progressing slowly,” he criticized. However, the comments made by the CM and ministers have increased some dissatisfaction among industrialists.
Moreover, a recent tweet by AP Minister Nara Lokesh has added fuel to this political turmoil. “They say that AP cuisine is spicy. Our investments are also like that. Andhra investments are spicy. Some neighbors are already getting the hang of it,” Lokesh commented. With these comments, investment politics in Karnataka is getting heated again.
