“We Have a Better Idea”: Andhra Takes a Dig at Karnataka Over Aerospace Park U-Turn
Andhra Pradesh took a sharp jab at neighbouring Karnataka after Chief Minister Siddaramaiah cancelled a key land acquisition for an aerospace park near Bengaluru. Andhra IT Minister Nara Lokesh seized the moment to pitch his state as a better destination for aerospace investors.
Posting on X (formerly Twitter), Mr. Lokesh wrote:
“Dear Aerospace industry, sorry to hear about this. I have a better idea for you. Why don’t you look at Andhra Pradesh instead? We have an attractive aerospace policy for you, with best-in-class incentives and over 8000 acres of ready-to-use land (just outside Bengaluru)! Hope to see you soon to talk across the table.”
His cheeky reference to “just outside Bengaluru” took a pointed dig at Karnataka’s dropped plan to acquire 1,777 acres of fertile land in Devanahalli, near the city’s Kempegowda International Airport. That project had faced intense resistance from local farmers and activists, forcing the government to withdraw its notification.
Announcing the decision, CM Siddaramaiah said, “The land is agriculturally rich and supports many families. We are cancelling the acquisition to protect farmer livelihoods.” He added that while industrial growth remains a priority, the government would not forcibly acquire land from unwilling farmers.
The backlash in Karnataka has been intense, with the farmers’ agitation gaining widespread support, including from actor and political activist Prakash Raj.
Nara Lokesh’s opportunistic pitch quickly drew praise from BJP MP Tejasvi Surya, who responded, “This is how business is attracted, industry is welcomed and jobs are created. Hope the Karnataka government learns from @naralokesh garu and corrects its course.”
Andhra Pradesh, eyeing a major chunk of the aerospace and defence pie, has already rolled out an ambitious plan to attract ₹50,000 crore to ₹1 lakh crore in investment in the sector over the next five years. With incentives, infrastructure, and proximity to Bengaluru, the state is positioning itself as a compelling alternative to its western neighbour.
News Source : Information for this article was gathered from a variety of reliable news outlets.
