Industry bodies welcome prospects of govt led by HDK

The trade and industry bodies in Karnataka have welcomed the prospects of a coalition government being formed between Congress and Janta Dal (S).

Federation of Karnataka Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FKCCI) believes that the new government under HD Kumaraswamy would be good for the agriculture sector and the trader community. “It would be good for traders and more beneficial for agri-business as JD(S) is seen as pro-farmer,” Ramesh Lahoti, Chairman, Internal Trade, FKCCI said.

Kumaraswamy, in his pre-election meeting with the industry body, had assured them of the clean government, Lahoti said.

Meanwhile, Karnataka Small Scale Industries Association (Kassia) said that they are upbeat with the fact that incumbent Congress government’s policies will continue with the new coalition government involving Congress. “Kumaraswamy is the son of a farmer, and he has been doing good service in the agriculture sector,” Hanumanthe Gowda, Vice President, Kassia told DH.

IT sector hopeful

The state has been reeling under agricultural stress in the recent years, due to prolonged drought prevailing in the state.

Meanwhile, IT industry also expressed happiness over the new coalition government stating that the pre-poll promises would be delivered. “Both Congress and BJP have promised that they will keep up with the investments in IT sector. Now JD(S) will continue to do so keeping Bengaluru’s development in mind, despite their pro-rural stance,” Mohandas Pai, former CFO, Infosys said.

Pai also opined that investments will continue to flow in the state, as it is a testimony for the talent pool in the state.

In the last two years of Congress-led government, Karnataka has been in the forefront in attracting investments. In the last two years, the state has attracted investment proposals in excess of Rs 1.5 lakh crore.

“We hope the new government heeds the voice of
the voters in building an economically strong state that supports robust, inclusive and equitable growth and a better Bengaluru with a high liveability index,” Kiran Mazumdar Shaw, Chairperson, Biocon said.