Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh are locked in a rivalry over investments as Google chose the latter for a $15 billion data and AI hub. The move triggered sharp criticism from Karnataka minister Priyank Kharge, who accused Andhra of luring investors with Rs 22,000 crore in subsidies and incentives. Andhra minister Nara Lokesh hit back, blaming Karnataka’s poor infrastructure and frequent power cuts. Confident in his state’s reforms, Lokesh said Andhra had already secured $120 billion in investments, adding that other states must rise to the challenge.
The dispute intensified after Biocon chief Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw tweeted about Bengaluru’s poor roads and garbage, echoing residents’ frustration over civic issues. Karnataka leaders, including Deputy CM DK Shivakumar, defended Bengaluru’s strengths in startups and innovation, claiming 13,000 potholes had been filled and a Rs 1,100-crore plan was underway for permanent fixes. Kharge welcomed constructive feedback but cited rapid urbanisation and heavy rains for the city’s woes. The spat began in September after a Bengaluru entrepreneur’s complaint prompted Lokesh to invite firms to Andhra, provoking Karnataka’s leaders to defend their state’s economic might.
