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Fake DKS letter urging Foxconn to relocate facility to Bengaluru from Hyderabad causes a political flutter

The letter, which gave the impression that it was written by Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, has been circulating on social media since Saturday morning.

Bhaskar Basava

Published Nov 04, 2023 | 5:32 PM ⚊ Updated Nov 04, 2023 | 5:40 PM

Fact Check: The alleged letter in the name of Karnataka Dy. CM DK. Shiv Kumar is fake (Supplied X)

Fact Check: The alleged letter in the name of Karnataka Dy. CM DK. Shiv Kumar is fake (Supplied X)

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Saturday, 4 November, described as fake a letter — purported to have been written by him and being circulated on social media — that urges Foxconn’s Apple manufacturing unit in Hyderabad to shift its base to Bengaluru.

The letter, dated 25 September, gave the impression that it was written by Shivakumar to Foxconn Technology Group Chairman Young Lia, asking him to relocate the Apple AirPods facility to Bengaluru.

The letter began circulating on social media since Saturday morning.

Shivakumar denied sending any such letter. He added that an FIR has been registered in this regard at the Cybercrime Police Station.

What the letter said

The two-page letter, among other things, said: “After significant deliberations with the Minister of Industry in our government, we are eager to bring unique industries that will enhance the prestige of Bengaluru. On behalf of our government. I propose that you consider relocating the Apple AirPods industry, which you plan to set up in Hyderabad, to Bengaluru. This move holds numerous mutual benefits. Not only will it complement the Apple phone manufacturing industry, but it will also leverage the city’s transportation facilities, infrastructure, and available workforce. Being located in Bengaluru will also enhance your international recognition.”

“Furthermore, several international industries in Hyderabad have expressed interest in relocating to Bengaluru. We anticipate forming a friendly government in Telangana soon, assuring that you will encounter no hindrances there. Hence, it would be mutually beneficial for your ancillary industry to make the move as well,” the fake letter added.

Also Read: Fact-check: BJP’s Tom Vadakkan sees Modi’s vision in fake news zooming through Kerala road tunnel at 684 kmph!

Political colour

With several news media reporting the letter, it soon turned political at a time the Telangana Assembly elections are just days away.

The BRS reacted to the letter and sparked a political narrative that suggested that, if voted to power, the Congress would shift IT firms in Hyderabad to Bengaluru.

The letter got credence as it emanated from a lookalike webpage of the Deccan Herald newspaper that also carried the “report”.

Sources in the Deccan Herald has said it was a spoof website that imitated the publication’s style and font.

The spoof website has since been inaccessible.

KTR reacts, Congress rebutts

Telangana’s IT Minister KT Rama Rao, as well as several BRS leaders and social media handles were misled by the fake letter.

While participating in a Lawyer’s Meeting at Jalavihar, he displayed the letter to the attendees and read it aloud.

“If BRS chief K Chandrashekhar Rao is not in power, Telangana’s interests will be compromised. This DK Shivakumar letter is one such example. I am not trying to scare you, but explaining the facts. I will give this letter to you to circulate,” he said.

“We were requesting Foxconn for four years, asking them to come to Hyderabad. In June 2022, the Foxconn chairman visited Hyderabad and met CM KCR and signed a memorandum, which promised to give one lakh jobs for our youth. On 200 acres, opposite the Rangareddy Collectorate, they are constructing the plant, which will be launched by April or May next year,” he added.

His reaction, based entirely on the fake letter, prompted an ascerbic response from the Telangana Congress.

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