Karnataka Minister M B Patil
Credit: DH Photo/Krishnakumar P S.
Bengaluru: Industries Minister M B Patil said on Monday that he would meet Defence Minister Rajnath Singh soon and seek the Centre’s approval for a defence corridor in the state.
“Karnataka, which contributes 65% to national defence and aerospace industry, rightfully deserves a defence corridor on merit,” Patil told reporters.
The minister described as “worrying” Andhra Pradesh’s reported push for relocation of HAL’s Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft and Light Combat Aircraft production from Karnataka.
“Requesting for a unit to be set up in AP as part of HAL’s expansion plans is understandable. But asking for an existing operation to be shifted out of Bengaluru is not justifiable,” Patil said.
“AP Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu may not have asked for shifting Bengaluru operations to his state. He may have only requested for establishment of a new unit there. But, if he has indeed requested relocation of operations from Bengaluru, that would not be appropriate,” he said.