A fierce war of words has erupted between Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge regarding the allocation of semiconductor manufacturing units in India. This exchange of rhetoric highlights the growing competition among states to establish themselves as key players in the semiconductor industry, crucial for technological advancement.
The spat ignited when Priyank Kharge, the son of Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, expressed his concerns over the location of semiconductor plants, claiming they are being established in states like Assam and Gujarat due to “political clout” rather than a robust technological or research ecosystem. In a recent interview, Kharge stated, “Five semiconductor manufacturing units, four are in Gujarat, and one is in Assam, but they don’t have the ecosystem of skills or innovation that Karnataka has.”
Kharge took to social media platform X to defend his position, questioning why his support for Karnataka’s interests was being perceived as anti-Assam. He wrote, “CM @himantabiswa ji, when you and PM @narendramodi defend your state’s interests, it’s called a masterstroke. When I do the same for Karnataka, it’s called unfair?”
The Karnataka minister further criticized Sarma’s management of Assam’s industrial sector, pointing to the closure of tea and paper mills in the state. He challenged the state government to address these issues, asking, “CM saab, there is a lot we can learn from each other’s ecosystems. Stop pleasing your political masters and start skilling the State and get investments based on your strengths so that more people are employed.”
In response, Chief Minister Sarma framed Kharge’s comments as a testament to Assam’s rising prominence. He remarked, “In just 3 1/2 years, Assam has been elevated to a position where even Karnataka recognizes our achievements,” asserting that Assam is on track to become a significant player in India’s semiconductor revolution.
The tension escalated further on Tuesday, as several BJP MLAs led a protest march in Jagiroad, the site of the semiconductor plant, accusing Kharge of attempting to undermine the project. This ongoing confrontation underscores the political stakes involved in attracting investment in high-tech industries, as states vie to demonstrate their capabilities and secure their economic futures.
The clash between Sarma and Kharge not only highlights the competitive nature of state politics but also raises questions about the broader implications for India’s technological development and the role of political influence in shaping industrial policies.
