TDP General Secretary Nara Lokesh has smartly transformed a neighbouring state’s challenge into a golden opportunity for Andhra Pradesh. With Karnataka pulling back on its ambitious aerospace park plans near Bengaluru, Lokesh stepped forward to pitch Andhra Pradesh as a viable and strategic alternative.
The Karnataka government had previously planned to establish an aerospace park by taking over almost 1,700 acres of land at Devanahalli, near the Bengaluru International Airport. But strong opposition from local farmers made the government withdraw the proposal — an act that was splashed across the pages of business and industry newspapers.
Responding quickly to the evolution, Nara Lokesh went live on social media with an aggressive offer. He urged aerospace firms to venture into Andhra Pradesh, citing the state’s pro-industry policy for aerospace, liberal incentives, and above all, more than 8,000 acres of land lying waiting for development.
What makes Andhra Pradesh’s proposition more appealing is its closeness to Bengaluru. Lokesh highlighted that the planned industrial corridor comes nearer to Bengaluru International Airport than Bengaluru city. Buses from Bengaluru already run up to the Kia Motors factory in Anantapur, highlighting how much connected and accessible the area has become.
His message was unambiguous and one of looking at the future — Andhra Pradesh is not only open for business, but also well positioned to host high-end industries such as aerospace and defense manufacturing.
If aerospace companies seize Lokesh’s invitation, Anantapur will soon become a big aerospace hub, offering new jobs, investment, and regional development. By converting Karnataka’s hurdle into a challenge, Nara Lokesh once again proved his priority on development-oriented politics.
