What is prompting industries to leave Karnataka?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Industries like Toyota are moving to Maharashtra.
- Infosys has expanded in Hyderabad.
- The BJP criticizes Congress for poor governance.
- Job creation is at risk due to investment losses.
- Calls for accountability from state leadership are intensifying.
Bengaluru, July 15 (NationPress) The BJP in Karnataka has questioned the Congress-led government regarding the exodus of industries from the state to various regions across India.
During a press briefing at the BJP's state headquarters, Jagannath Bhavan in Bengaluru, N. Ravikumar, the Chief Whip of the BJP in the Legislative Council, raised concerns about significant industrial investments relocating from Karnataka.
"A substantial investment of Rs 25,000 crore by Toyota Electric Cars, which was poised to generate 30,000 jobs, has transitioned to Maharashtra. What is the reason for this?" Ravikumar inquired of State Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Minister Priyank Kharge.
He highlighted that Infosys recently inaugurated a new branch in Hyderabad, while Apple-Foxconn has moved its operations to Tamil Nadu.
"Why are these companies opting out of investing in Karnataka, a state rich in talented and skilled individuals?" he questioned.
Ravikumar pointed out that veteran industrialist Mohandas Pai had labeled the present state government as a 'corrupt regime'.
He added that governance in Kalaburagi appears to be lacking and demanded accountability from the state government regarding the actions of Minister Priyank Kharge.
Ravikumar commended Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, stating he had achieved milestones in road construction that had been pending for nearly 50 to 60 years.
"Union Minister Gadkari inaugurated the Sigandur Bridge in Karnataka within an impressive time frame," he noted.
"During Congress's tenure in power at the Centre, only 7-8 km of highways were constructed daily. Today, that figure has escalated to 34 km per day," he remarked.
"An efficient leader like Gadkari visits Karnataka, yet the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister claim they were not invited, providing feeble excuses to skip the event — this is unbecoming of them," he criticized.
"This is mere evasion," Ravikumar declared, directing his critiques towards the Congress-led state government.
He pointed out that the current development projects under the Transport Ministry, overseen by Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, are valued at Rs 3 lakh crore, and Gadkari has pledged Rs 5 lakh crore in investments for Karnataka.
Ravikumar also showcased letters from BJP MP B.Y. Raghavendra and Gadkari's office sent to the Chief Minister's office inviting him to the Sigandur Bridge opening as evidence.
BJP Spokesperson Hariprakash Konemane mentioned that a second invitation had also been extended, urging Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to attend virtually.
"This is an outright evasion by the Chief Minister," he asserted.
"The Congress party fears that their unfounded allegations against the Centre will be unveiled — that's why they shunned the event," he added.
State BJP spokesperson Ashok Gowda was also present at the press conference.