Meanwhile, in a now-deleted X post, BJP leader and Bengaluru South MP Tejasvi Surya criticised the Karnataka government for stopping the land acquisition, praised Lokesh for the way he was 'attracting business'
Published Jul 16, 2025 | 3:05 PM ⚊ Updated Jul 16, 2025 | 3:05 PM
Karnataka Minister MB Patil. (X)
Synopsis: Karnataka Commerce and Industries Minister MB Patil said the state government would ensure land and a supportive ecosystem. His response came after Andhra Pradesh Information Technology Minister Nara Lokesh, who welcomed aerospace companies to the state after Karnataka halted its plan for land acquisition.
In response to Andhra Pradesh Information Technology Minister Nara Lokesh, who welcomed aerospace companies to the state after Karnataka halted its plan for forced land acquisition on Bengaluru outskirts, Commerce and Industries Minister MB Patil said the state government would ensure land and a supportive ecosystem.
Responding to Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s announcement that the land acquisition process in Channarayapatna and nearby villages of Devanahalli taluk was fully withdrawn after farmers’ protest, Lokesh said Andhra Pradesh has an attractive aerospace policy for investors.
Meanwhile, in a now-deleted X post, BJP leader and Bengaluru South MP Tejasvi Surya criticised the Karnataka government for stopping the land acquisition, praised Lokesh for the way he was ‘attracting business’, and said he hoped the state government would learn from the minister of the neighbouring state.
Patil said Karnataka has a proven ecosystem and nothing is slipping off.
“Karnataka doesn’t just offer land – it offers India’s No. 1 aerospace & 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. It isn’t about land alone – it’s about talent, innovation, and a proven ecosystem. We know what to do, when to do it, and how to do it. Nothing is slipping off,” Patil said in a post on X.
“#Karnataka will be one of the first states to reach a $1 trillion economy. And it’s not just aerospace; many new industries continue to choose Karnataka, and existing ones keep expanding here. We’ll always ensure the LAND and ecosystem needed to support both growth and new investments. Best wishes to your state as well,” he said in response to Lokesh.
“Dear Aerospace industry, sorry to hear about this. I have a better idea for you. Why don’t you look at Andhra Pradesh instead? We have an attractive aerospace policy for you, with best-in-class incentives and over 8000 acres of ready-to-use land (just outside Bengaluru)! Hope to see you soon to talk across the table,” Lokesh had said.
(Edited by Muhammed Fazil.)
