'Your constant negativity hurts the state': Priyank Kharge hits back at Mohandas Pai over Bengaluru infra row

Karnataka IT Minister Priyank Kharge

Karnataka IT Minister Priyank Kharge has hit back at former Infosys CFO Mohandas Pai after the latter criticized the state government over Bengaluru’s infrastructure woes. Responding to Pai’s remarks on X (formerly Twitter), Kharge defended the government’s record and called for collaboration to improve the city’s civic conditions.

Kharge questioned Pai's silence during previous administrations and highlighted the city's significant contributions to India's economy. He emphasized that Karnataka is the second-highest tax-contributing state in India, with Bengaluru alone adding ₹9.1 lakh crore to the nation's GDP in 2024. He argued that such contributions merit a higher devolution of central funds to address infrastructure issues.

. @TVMohandasPai avare, if it was not rocket science why didnt you enlighten your then Government? Looks like your woes have become painful after we got 135 seats.Why do you remain silent when your #Vishwaguru @narendramodi treats Karnataka with utter disdain?- Karnataka is https://t.co/MX3oI2VQNe
Priyank Kharge / (@PriyankKharge) February 25, 2025

The minister also pointed out that the 15th Finance Commission awarded Karnataka ₹11,495 crores for improving critical infrastructure, funds which he asserts should be disbursed immediately. He expressed concern over the lack of financial support from the Union government for proposed projects, including tunnel roads, new flyovers, the Peripheral Ring Road, suburban rail, and water supply initiatives.

Kharge questioned the silence of Bengaluru's 16 BJP MLAs and the NDA's 19 Lok Sabha members from Karnataka regarding the Union government's perceived neglect of the city's infrastructure needs. He also criticized efforts to redirect companies to other states and the exclusion of Karnataka from national initiatives like the AI and Semiconductor Missions.

Highlighting Bengaluru's rapid growth, Kharge noted a 342% increase in new company formations, the highest workforce participation rate in the country at 76%, and the city's leading position in job creation and office space absorption. He attributed infrastructure strains to this rapid expansion and affirmed the government's commitment to addressing these challenges urgently.

Pai had earlier slammed Kharge, questioning his contributions over the past two years and alleging that the IT capital remained plagued with issues such as unclean roads, lack of footpaths, and deteriorating public infrastructure. “Bengaluru is a mess. We need a clean, walkable city. Where are the funds going?” Pai had asked, holding the government responsible for the city’s state.

In response, Kharge posted on X: "I am not sure if you understand your constant negativity hurts the state or do you do it deliberately? You are close to everyone in the corridors of power in Delhi, work in interest of the State."

Kharge also dismissed claims that the state's governance had hurt the business environment, asserting that Karnataka remains a preferred destination for global investors. “Not a single company has moved out of Karnataka after negotiations,” he stated.