A spirited exchange has erupted between ministers from Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh following Google’s decision to establish a massive $15 billion data and AI hub in Vishakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, bypassing Bengaluru. This major tech investment has triggered a war of words, with ministers from both states trading accusations.
Karnataka minister Priyank Kharge, son of Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, initiated the exchange by highlighting reports that Andhra Pradesh offered substantial incentives, including ₹22,000 crore in subsidies, tax waivers, and utility concessions, to secure the Google deal. This was met with a sharp retort from Andhra minister Nara Lokesh, who labeled the Karnataka government as ‘inefficient’.
Lokesh criticized Karnataka’s infrastructure, citing issues like power cuts and poor road conditions, which he stated were acknowledged by industrialists in the state. He suggested that Karnataka should focus on resolving its internal issues before commenting on Andhra Pradesh’s development strategies.
Adding a witty remark to the ongoing debate, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu quipped that the ‘G’ in Vishakhapatnam now stands for Google, emphasizing the state’s success in attracting major tech investments. The exchange also touches upon civic issues within Karnataka, with a citizens’ forum urging the state’s Chief Minister to halt property tax collection in Bengaluru due to ongoing, poorly executed civic works that have resulted in flooding and deteriorating road conditions.
The Karnataka government has acknowledged these infrastructure challenges, with ministers suggesting that improvements will take time and require a collective effort from all stakeholders.