Karnataka, Assam CMs Spar Over Semiconductor Investments, Talent
The ongoing social media exchange between Karnataka’s IT-BT Minister Priyank Kharge and Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has intensified, focusing on the location of semiconductor companies and the perceived talent pools in each state. The dispute, initially sparked by concerns over investment diversions, has escalated into personal attacks and accusations of misrepresentation.
Mr. Kharge initiated the latest round by referencing an older post by Mr. Sarma from March 2024, highlighting that numerous individuals from Assam were receiving training in Bengaluru. He suggested that a simple expression of gratitude would have been more appropriate than what he described as “politically rabid comments.”
This response follows Mr. Sarma’s earlier remark where he labeled Mr. Kharge as “a first-class idiot.” The disagreement originated from Mr. Kharge’s assertion that the central government was pressuring semiconductor companies to invest in Assam and Gujarat, despite their initial interest in Karnataka. He questioned whether these states possessed the necessary talent for such industries.
Mr. Sarma countered, claiming that Mr. Kharge had insulted the youth of Assam by implying a lack of educated and competent individuals. Mr. Kharge, in turn, accused the Assam Chief Minister and the BJP of twisting his words. He clarified that his statement specifically addressed the pressure on semiconductor companies to establish operations in Gujarat and Assam, despite their preference for Karnataka’s well-established ecosystem and skilled workforce.
Mr. Kharge further emphasized that, even after nearly a decade of BJP governance, Assam continues to rank among the lowest-performing states in key development indicators such as health, education, and economic growth. He challenged Mr. Sarma to address the reasons why young people are leaving Assam to seek employment elsewhere.
Ramesh Babu, Congress’s communications chief, voiced his support for Mr. Kharge, characterizing Mr. Sarma’s comments as an “affront to the people of Karnataka, Kannadigas and Dalits.”
Adding to the fray, Amit Malviya, who oversees the BJP’s National IT Department, accused Mr. Kharge of being responsible for Karnataka losing out on significant investments, including Google’s $15 billion data center project and two semiconductor units. He also made disparaging remarks about Mr. Kharge’s educational background and familial ties.
Mr. Kharge retorted by suggesting that Gujarat’s success in attracting semiconductor manufacturing is due to the Prime Minister’s efforts to poach investments from Karnataka, Telangana, and Tamil Nadu. He also criticized the substantial subsidies being offered for projects that create a relatively small number of jobs. Furthermore, he dismissed the “dynasty jab” from Malviya, and suggested that Malviya address the issue of dynastic politics within his own party.
The ongoing exchange underscores the political tensions surrounding economic development and investment strategies across different states, particularly in the high-stakes semiconductor industry.
Disclaimer: This news article is based on publicly available information and may be subject to updates.
