Image Source : ANI
The investment war between Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh intensified as Andhra IT and HRD Minister Nara Lokesh appreciated Google's USD 15 billion AI data center in Visakhapatnam.
Lokesh posted on X, "They say Andhra food is spicy. Seems some of our investments are too. Some neighbours are already feeling the burn!" He showcased Andhra's fast growth using hashtags #AndhraRising and #YoungestStateHighestInvestment and asked other states to repair potholed roads and power outages.
Karnataka IT Minister Priyank Kharge replied shrewdly on X, stating, "Everyone likes a little spice in food, but while nutritionists suggest a balanced meal, economists also suggest a balanced budget." He supported his assertion with figures, citing that Andhra Pradesh's total liabilities amounted to close to Rs 10 lakh crore, Rs 1.61 lakh crore were borrowed just in one year, and its revenue deficit to GSDP increased from 2.65% to 3.61%. Kharge summed up with, "Whatever said and done, we will always be the neighbour's envy and owner's pride."
The investment announcement by Google evoked criticism in Karnataka, with the opposition parties such as JD(S) saying that lack of infrastructure and governance were turning away large investments from Bengaluru.
The controversy was fueled further when Biocon chief Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw shared that there was a Chinese colleague who had challenged Bengaluru's roads and waste management system, saying, "Why are the roads so poor? Doesn't the government want to encourage investment?
As a response, the Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar defended Bengaluru and said, "You can't compare Bengaluru's infrastructure, startups, human resources, and innovation ecosystem." Priyank Kharge received the criticism as "constructive" and blamed Bengaluru's waterlogging woes on record rains, hasty urbanisation, and influx of migrant workers indicators, he added, of Bengaluru's continuous growth and success.
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