'Karnataka deserves this': Now, M B Patil wades into credit tussle over Foxconn hiring

The credit tussle over Karnataka's business ecosystem escalated with minister M B Patil joining in and replying to Ashwini Vaishnaw. Taking to his official social media handle, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi had praised Congress ruled Karnataka's business ecosystem, on Apple’s supplier Foxconn hiring thousands of workers for a factory in Devanahalli.

Earlier on Rahul's post, Union Minister for Electronics and Information Technology Ashwini Vaishnaw thanked him for "acknowledging the success" of PM Modi's Make in India programme.

On Thursday, M B Patil taking to his X questioned, "Why not facilitate a semiconductor major like Micron or Tata in Karnataka, which offers India's most mature ecosystem?

Replying to Vaishnaw, he said, ecosystem, talent and facilitation are what matters most for industries, and Karnataka has built this strength over decades.

"Several global players showed interest to set-up in the state but were diverted due to GoI incentive decisions. The State is fully ready with competitive incentives," his post read.

"Karnataka deserves this on merit. Let’s keep politics aside and work together for future generations," he added.

Make in India policy

Ashwini Vaishnaw thanked the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi for "acknowledging the success" of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Make-in-India programme.

Vaishnaw was responding to a Facebook post by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, who praised Congress ruled Karnataka’s business ecosystem, on Apple’s supplier Foxconn hiring thousands of workers for a factory in Devanahalli.

"30,000 staff hired in just 8 months-the fastest factory ramp-up seen in India so far," Rahul wrote.

“This is not just a statistic, but transformative job creation. What makes it even more powerful is that the unit is largely women-led, with around 80% women, most aged 19-24, and for many, this is their first job," Rahul posted.

"Karnataka is setting an example by creating an ecosystem where manufacturing can grow at this scale and speed. This is the India we must build: jobs with dignity, and opportunities for all," he wrote.

Ashwini Vaishnaw thanked Rahul Gandhi

"Thanks Rahul Gandhi for acknowledging the success of PM Shri Narendra Modi Ji’s 'Make in India' programme. As you have noted, we are becoming a producer economy as we implement our PM’s vision," he posted.

Foxconn unit in Karnataka

The Foxconn unit in Karnataka began its trial production this year in April-May. Located in Devanahalli, it is set to become "India's largest factory by employment" when it is fully operational.

The plant has hired 30,000 people and is set to employ 50,000 people, by 2026.