New Delhi: The Karnataka government has trashed reports that suggest a possible shift of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) production units to Andhra Pradesh. On Tuesday, Andhra Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu had proposed relocation of the HAL manufacturing unit from Bengaluru to Lepakshi in Andhra Pradesh. The Karnataka-Andhra fight over HAL raged amid government approving the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) programme execution model on Tuesday.
Karnataka’s leadership took strong exception to Naidu’s proposal. The Karnataka state government has pointed out that HAL is Karnataka’s pride and it will seek a defense corridor for the state.
Naidu has reportedly been keen to set up a new greenfield HAL facility in Andhra Pradesh, while prodding the Centre. However, Karnataka Minister for Large and Medium Industries MB Patil brushed speculation about shifting HAL operations. ““I don’t think it will happen. HAL will go by merit… Which industry wants to go where there’s no ecosystem for it?”
“No Chief Minister has the authority to relocate HAL’s existing facilities. Operations in Bengaluru will continue. What may have been suggested is the establishment of a new unit, which is a separate matter,” Patil reportedly said.
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah also backed Patil, stating: “I do not know, as far as my knowledge goes, it cannot be. It will not be shifted.”
Reports say that Patil may meet Defense Minister Rajnath Singh and ask the Centre to approve the Defence Corridor project for the state. “I will soon meet Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and also discuss the matter with our Chief Minister and the principal secretary. If such a proposal has indeed been made, it is inappropriate,” he said while talking to the reporters on Tuesday.
Karnataka Deputy CM DK Shivakumar also contended that the state government will not allow anything to be relocated. “We will give land if they want to expand. They can get any new thing if they want, we will not come in their way but as far as Karnataka is concerned, HAL is our pride, Nehru ji gave this to us,” he asserted.
