'It isn’t about land alone', MB Patil hits back as Nara Lokesh woos aerospace industry

Karnataka industries minister MB Patil has slammed Andhra Pradesh minister Nara Lokesh for inviting aerospace firms to the neighbouring state after his government dropped the plan to acquire 1,777 acres of farmland for an aerospace park.

“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 posted on X on July 16.

Faced with a farmer protest,  the Karnataka government a day earlier dropped the plan to acquire agricultural land in Devanahall.

Quoting Lokesh’s tweet, Patil added: “#Karnataka will be among the first states to reach a $1 trillion economy. It’s not just aerospace - new industries keep choosing Karnataka, and existing ones keep expanding. We’ll always ensure land and the right ecosystem to support growth and investment. Best wishes to your state too.”

Also read: Andhra rolls out red carpet as Karnataka drops 1,777-acre land acquisition for Aerospace Park

He also asserted, “Karnataka doesn’t just offer land - it offers India’s No. 1 aerospace and defence ecosystem. We’ve built the country’s strongest aerospace base over decades, contributing 65% of India’s output and ranking No. 1 nationally and No. 3 globally.”

Andhra’s industries minister Lokesh, quoting a Moneycontrol article, invited the industry to his state within hours of the Karnataka government’s decision.

“Dear aerospace industry, sorry to hear about this. I have a better idea. Why not consider Andhra Pradesh? We have a strong aerospace policy, best-in-class incentives, and 8,000+ acres of ready-to-use land (just outside Bengaluru)! Hope to meet you soon across the table,” he posted on the X platform.

Also read: Karnataka scraps land acquisition near Bengaluru airport over farm protests in a setback for Aerospace Park

Speaking to reporters, Patil said the land acquisition plan was dropped in the interest of farmers. “But Karnataka will offer land wherever entrepreneurs need it. Andhra’s outreach will not sway investors,” he said.

“Entrepreneurs don’t move just for land — the work environment matters too. We have land across the state for aerospace, AI, deep tech, IT, and more,” he added.

The minister said a Rs 3,600-crore plan is in place to utilise Karnataka’s share of water for industrial areas, ensuring adequate infrastructure, including water and power, for investors.

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