M B Patil challenges Nara Lokesh, says no industry will leave Karnataka

Bengaluru: In a direct challenge to Andhra Pradesh minister Nara Lokesh’s attempt to attract industries to his state, Large and Medium Industries Minister M B Patil asserted on Wednesday that the Karnataka government wouldn’t let any industry exit the state due to the lack of land. 

“Karnataka has immense potential and I am an able minister. We have sufficient land not only for aerospace and defence, but also for AI, deep tech, IT and other industries. We will not let even a single industrialist leave the state due to non-availability of land,” he told reporters.

His comments followed a day after Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced the withdrawal of the acquisition of 1,777 acres of farmers’ land at Devanahalli taluk, following which Lokesh invited industries to AP.

Lashing out at Lokesh, Patil tweeted on X: “Dear @Naralokesh, Karnataka doesn’t just offer land – it offers India’s number 01 aerospace and defence ecosystem. We’ve built the country’s strongest aerospace base over the decades, contributing 65% of India’s aerospace output and ranking No 1 nationally, 3rd globally.” 

Arguing that land availability wasn’t the sole determining factor for industries, the minister explained that the Karnataka government ensures water, power, and other essential infrastructure.

“A robust ecosystem plays a far more crucial role. To facilitate industries, we go beyond land allocation. We have already prepared an integrated plan worth Rs 3,600 crore to guarantee water supply to industrial areas across
the state.” 

Flays BJP

Commenting on BJP state president Vijayendra’s remarks regarding the dropping of land acquisition at Devanahalli, Patil said, “Now, Vijayendra is supporting industrialists. Had the government decided to go ahead with land acquisition, he would have sided with the farmers. Whatever interpretation the opposition gives, the state’s interest remains my top priority.”