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Is Bengaluru not India’s Silicon Valley? Goyal’s remarks spark debate

MB Patil's reaction has ignited a social media debate, with users split between supporting Goyal's new Silicon Valley vision and backing Patil's defence of Bengaluru’s legacy.

South First Desk

Published Sep 18, 2024 | 8:28 PM ⚊ Updated Sep 19, 2024 | 8:58 AM

Piyush Goyal

Piyush Goyal launches BHASKAR portal

Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal recently unveiled the Bharat Startup Knowledge Access Registry (BHASKAR) portal in New Delhi as part of the Startup India initiative.

During the launch, Goyal proposed a new Silicon Valley in India, separate from Bengaluru, sparking criticism from Karnataka’s Industries Minister MB Patil, who questioned why Bengaluru was not considered “our own” city; given its integral role in India’s startup landscape. This exchange triggered a debate on social media, with some questioning if Bengaluru is not considered a part of India.

BHASKAR, a new digital platform, is designed to unify and empower India’s expanding startup ecosystem, providing a comprehensive solution for collaboration, innovation, and knowledge sharing.

Goyal emphasised that the BHASKAR portal aims to connect “dreamers, doers, and disruptors” within the entrepreneurial landscape. During his keynote address, he underscored the government’s commitment to democratising the startup ecosystem, making it not only accessible but also prominent on a global stage.

Also read : Economic liberalisation made Karnataka one of the economic powerhouses in India

During the announcement, Goyal called for the creation of a new Silicon Valley in India, distinct from the existing hub in Bengaluru.

He said “Coming out of the Indian table, we see the third largest Fintech ecosystem, the third largest startup ecosystem but our aspirations don’t end there. We should be aspiring to go beyond. We should be aspiring to have our own Silicon Valley. I know Bengaluru prides itself on being the Silicon Valley of India, but I think it’s time now that we also started thinking of creating a whole new Township dedicated to entrepreneurs and startups and innovators and disruptors.” 

Statement irks MB Patil 

This statement sparked criticism from Karnataka Industries Minister MB Patil, who argued that establishing an ecosystem like Bengaluru’s takes decades and requires collaborative effort. Patil expressed his discontent with Goyal’s views, questioning why Bengaluru was not considered “our own” city, given its integral role in India’s startup landscape. 

In a post on X, Patil stated, “Our Own? Bengaluru is in India. India is our country. Bengaluru wasn’t built in a day; it took decades, centuries to build Bengaluru.”


MB Patil urged Goyal to focus on enhancing existing structures rather than advocating for a new ecosystem. Specifically, he mentioned the KHIR (Knowledge, Health, Innovation, and Research) city, which is located within the Bengaluru region. 

Patil emphasised that while building infrastructure is essential, creating a thriving ecosystem necessitates time and shared vision.

Also read : Stormy debate on locals vs. migrants in Bengaluru puts the focus on language, mutual respect

Handle @bykarthikreddy called out the reaction from MB Patil, saying “Piyush Goyal first spoke of creating our own silicon valley, and then he followed up with agreeing to Bengaluru. Unlike in the post above where it sounds more like the opposite. As Minister, be responsible in what you react to.”

Internet divided over a ‘you vs us’ debate 

The exchange has sparked a broader discussion on social media, where users are divided between those supporting Goyal’s vision for a new Silicon Valley and those rallying behind Patil’s defence of Bengaluru’s legacy.

Supporters of Goyal argued that expanding the startup ecosystem beyond Bengaluru could lead to more balanced regional development and stimulate economic growth in other parts of India.

Handle @Amara_Bengaluru tweeted in support of Goyal, saying “We need the towns in northern India to develop as well. We need people to get jobs in cities closer to their home towns.”


On the other hand, critics contend that such proposals undermine the efforts and history that have made Bengaluru a thriving center for technology and innovation.

One user, @PraveenRangaiah wrote “Why not consider Bengaluru as our own Silicon Valley already? Is Bengaluru not in India? It’s home to countless entrepreneurs, startups, and innovators, driving India’s tech and innovation ecosystem forward. Shouldn’t we improve what we already have?”

Also read : Rising rage: Why is Bengaluru becoming an angrier city?

The debate also touched on the ‘migrant vs native’ topic, with user @Earlhastings1 saying “Create one dedicated to entrepreneurs, startups, innovators, and disruptors from scratch instead of hijacking a city created by the natives for their own benefit.”


(Edited by Ananya Rao) 

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