After Vizag, Nara Lokesh invites Bengaluru firms to Anantapur; Priyank Kharge hits back, calls it ‘desperate scavenging’

Karnataka IT-BT Minister Priyank Kharge (L) and Andhra Pradesh IT Minister Nara Lokesh

A war of words broke out on October 2 between Andhra Pradesh IT Minister Nara Lokesh and Karnataka IT-BT Minister Priyank Kharge after the former invited Bengaluru firms to shift operations to Anantapur

Quoting Moneycontrol’s report, 'Crumbling Outer Ring Road pushes more startups, firms towards North Bengaluru, Whitefield,' Lokesh wrote on X: “North sounds good. Slightly more north is Anantapur… where we are building a world-class aerospace and defence ecosystem! 😁”

North sounds good. Slightly more north is Anantapur.. where we are building a world class aerospace and defence ecosystem! 😁 https://t.co/KBFCkpjvKI

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— Lokesh Nara (@naralokesh) October 2, 2025

Responding to the pitch, Kharge hit back: “It is natural for weaker ecosystems to feed off stronger ones. Nothing wrong with that, but when it turns into desperate scavenging, it shows more weakness than strength.” he wrote on X.

Kharge underscored Bengaluru’s strong fundamentals, noting that the city’s GDP is projected to grow at 8.5 percent until 2035, making it the world’s fastest-growing city. He added that Bengaluru’s property market is expected to rise by 5 percent in 2025, while the Savills Growth Hubs Index places the city ahead of global counterparts in urbanisation, economic growth and innovation by 2033. Bengaluru’s urban agglomeration is estimated to reach 14.4 million in 2025, growing at an annual rate of 2.76 percent, making it one of India’s top migrant-absorbing cities.

Kharge’s sharp retort on opportunistic moves

It is natural for weaker ecosystems to feed off stronger ones. Nothing wrong with that, but when it turns into desperate scavenging, it shows more weakness than strength.

- Bengaluru’s GDP is projected to grow at a significant 8.5% until 2035, positioning it as the world's… https://t.co/E2tRggt8UW

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— Priyank Kharge / ಪ್ರಿಯಾಂಕ್ ಖರ್ಗೆ (@PriyankKharge) October 2, 2025

“The government is and will continue to build infrastructure for the rapid growth we are experiencing,” Kharge said, before adding pointedly, “By the way, what is an organism that lives in or on an organism of another species and benefits by deriving nutrients at the other’s expense called?”

Lokesh’s persistent pitch to Bengaluru firms

This is not the first time Lokesh has attempted to woo Bengaluru-based companies.

On September 23, he quoted Moneycontrol’s report on how a logistics startup CEO’s viral post on Outer Ring Road’s poor infrastructure had jolted the Karnataka government. “Happy to help! Our offer on #Vizag still holds! Join us for the Govt. of AP–CII Partnership Summit on 14–15 Nov ’25 and experience the charm of this wonderful city. Registrations opening soon,” Lokesh posted.

Happy to help!

Our offer on #Vizag still holds! Join us for the Govt. of AP–CII Partnership Summit on 14–15 Nov ’25 and experience the charm of this wonderful city. Registrations opening soon. https://t.co/0wEqrr7WEc

— Lokesh Nara (@naralokesh) September 23, 2025

Earlier, on September 17, Lokesh directly invited BlackBuck co-founder Rajesh Yabaji-who had announced plans to exit Bengaluru’s ORR-to move operations to Visakhapatnam. “Hi Rajesh, can I interest you in relocating your company to Vizag? We are rated among the top five cleanest cities in India, are building best-in-class infrastructure, and have been rated the safest city for women. Please send me a DM,” he wrote.

Also, read: 'Why not move to Vizag,' Nara Lokesh asks BlackBuck CEO leaving Bengaluru's ORR

Hi Rajesh, can I interest you in relocating your company to Vizag? We are rated among top 5 cleanest cities in India, are building best-in-class infra, and have been rated the safest city for women. Please send me a DM. https://t.co/HLfP2CVTys

— Lokesh Nara (@naralokesh) September 17, 2025

In July, Lokesh had also extended an invitation to aerospace investors after the Karnataka government dropped plans to acquire 1,777 acres near Kempegowda International Airport for an aerospace park.

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…

— Lokesh Nara (@naralokesh) July 15, 2025

Sharing Moneycontrol’s report, he said: “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 8,000 acres of ready-to-use land (just outside Bengaluru)! Hope to see you soon to talk across the table.”

Also, read: 'Why don’t you look at AP instead?': Nara Lokesh says after Karnataka drops land acquisition for Aerospace Park near Bengaluru airport