'We Offer Ecosystem, Not Just Land': Karnataka Minister Rebuts Nara Lokesh's Aerospace Invite

Last Updated:July 16, 2025, 16:18 IST

The online tussle began after Lokesh, in a public pitch to aerospace firms on X, urged them to consider Andhra Pradesh

Karnataka's Minister for Large and Medium Industries, MB Patil, and Andhra Pradesh Education Minister Nara Lokesh. (Images via X)

Karnataka’s Minister for Large and Medium Industries, MB Patil, on Wednesday hit back at Andhra Pradesh Education Minister Nara Lokesh over a social media post inviting aerospace companies to relocate from Karnataka to Andhra Pradesh.

The online tussle began after Karnataka’s decision to cancel the acquisition of 1,777 acres of farmland near Bengaluru’s Kempegowda Airport. The land had been earmarked for a proposed Aerospace Park in Devanahalli, but the plan was scrapped following intense protests by local farmers, who have been demonstrating for over three years.

In response to the development in the neighbouring state, Lokesh took to X with a public pitch to aerospace firms, indirectly urging them to consider Andhra Pradesh instead, where he claimed to offer “best-in-class incentives" and “over 8000 acres of ready-to-use land" near Bengaluru.

Nara Lokesh’s Invite

“Dear Aerospace industry, sorry to hear about this. I have a better idea for you. Why don’t you look at Andhra Pradesh instead? We have an attractive aerospace policy for you, with best-in-class incentives and over 8000 acres of ready-to-use land (just outside Bengaluru)!," his post said.

The Andhra minister even linked an article detailing Karnataka’s move to withdraw from the land acquisition, adding cheekily, “Hope to see you soon to talk across the table."

Patil was quick to respond with a strongly worded post, positioning Karnataka as the undisputed leader in India’s aerospace sector.

MB Patil’s Respond

“Dear Nara Lokesh, Karnataka doesn’t just offer land – it offers India’s No. 1 aerospace & defence ecosystem," the Congress minister said in his post.

He stated that the state contributes to 65% of India’s aerospace output and ranks third globally. “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 added.

Patil said that Karnataka is well on its way to becoming one of India’s first $1 trillion economies. “We’ll always ensure the LAND and ecosystem needed to support both growth and new investments," he remarked, ending with a polite nod to the Andhra minister, writing, “Best wishes to your state as well."

Karnataka | Andhra Pradesh, India

News politics 'We Offer Ecosystem, Not Just Land': Karnataka Minister Rebuts Nara Lokesh's Aerospace Invite