The social media tussle between Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge continued to be on Wednesday with the two leaders battling out the semiconductor manufacturing unit in Assam on the micro-blogging site X, former Twitter.
Social media tussle intensifies between Assam CM and Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge
It all started when Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge raised some questions on the progress the State has done in securing a semiconductor manufacturing unit that triggered a sharp response from CM Sarma. Speaking on X, Sarma said he takes pride in the achievements of of the State.
“When a minister from Karnataka speaks about Assam and its semiconductor project, I can only sincerely thank God that in just 3 1/2 years, Assam has been elevated to a position where even Karnataka, one of the most advanced states in our country, recognises our achievements,” he said.
Sarma went on to appeal to Assam Congress leaders to understand the transformation the state has undergone as well as stand in a poised position to negotiate with all major players in facilitating investments. “Once known for militancy, the State is now at the cusp of becoming a hub for semiconductor revolution, he further said while pointing out the growth of the state towards technological and economic development.
Priyank Kharge responded by coming out in his defense and reiterating his concerns. In that, he criticized CM Himanta Biswa Sarma and Prime Minister Narendra Modi for allegedly showing favors to the northeastern state over other states such as Karnataka.
“CM @himantabiswa ji, PM @narendramodi and you protecting your respective State’s interests are considered ‘masterstrokes,’ and if I protect Karnataka’s interests, it is considered being anti-Assam,” Kharge wrote in a post on X. He even took potshots at the BJP leadership of Karnataka, tag-teaming state BJP president Vijayendra Yediyurappa, to ask, “Jokers of @BJP4Karnataka, do you agree on this?”
When a CM is unable to comprehend, not even God can save the administration or the people.
— Priyank Kharge / ಪ್ರಿಯಾಂಕ್ ಖರ್ಗೆ (@PriyankKharge) October 2, 2024
Bhaisaab, read this slowly. Let it sink in.
Karnataka is the world’s 4th largest technology cluster.
We are No. 1 in India in:
– Semiconductor Design Ecosystem
– National… https://t.co/4JJxK8w4yC
Kharge further asked that the PM did not give semiconductor projects to more than one state and advised that both the states each get two units and Gujarat one. Kharge accused Sarma along with the central government of “arm-twisting companies” for investing. “CM Sarma saab, why don’t you ask your PM to be benevolent enough to give Assam 2, Karnataka 2, and Gujarat 1 semiconductor projects?”, Kharge said in a letter. However, the Karnataka minister did not stop there.
He went on to raise a host of additional questions aimed at the Assam Chief Minister. Evidently, he questioned some economic issues regarding Assam, claiming that the ATCL has leased out the majority of its tea gardens to private companies, though it remained a state undertaking. Similarly, he alleged that the Nagaon Cooperative Sugar Mill has been closed.
Kharge also asked questions about the closing of paper mills in Nagaon and Cachar and the shut down/restructuring of 56 tea estates in the state.
The final blow came when he pointed out the state government subsidy accorded to Pride East Entertainment Private Limited, which can be seen as some sort of favoritism. “I hope you will answer all these questions before the SemiCon industry starts their operations there,” he added.
He concluded offering to help the State government with a suggestion that both states would do well in one learning from the other’s economic ecosystems. “Stop pleasing your political masters and start skilling the state and getting investments based on your strengths,” he told. He further added, “Let me know if you need any help with how the Government of Karnataka can help you be the ‘Silicon Valley of the North East’. I will be happy to assist.”
This heated exchange marks the latest episode in an ongoing debate over regional development and resource allocation, with the semiconductor industry now at the center of the controversy.
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