Bengaluru, July 31: Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Thursday welcomed IT and software companies choosing to relocate from Maharashtra to Bengaluru, assuring them of all required support from the state government.
Speaking to reporters after attending the Quantum Summit at Manyata Tech Park, Shivakumar said:
“We welcome IT companies migrating from Maharashtra to Karnataka. We are ready to provide all necessary infrastructure, including technology and electricity. Four days ago, the Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister remarked that IT firms are shifting from Pune to Bengaluru. I thank him for that. We are not competing with Indian states but at a global level.”
He also acknowledged Maharashtra’s strength in the IT sector, noting Pune’s Hinjewadi as a major IT hub, but emphasized Karnataka’s readiness to support firms choosing Bengaluru as their base.
On criticism over protests against voter fraud in Bengaluru, Shivakumar asserted: “Why are others so bothered about our stance? We are accountable to the people of Karnataka. During the Assembly elections, the BJP misused the Chilume Trust. Rahul Gandhi is visiting to alert citizens, not for a political agenda. The Election Commission must remain impartial.”
He stated that the Congress would soon decide whether Rahul Gandhi’s event would take the form of a rally or a protest meeting, keeping in mind court and government guidelines.
Regarding the tussle over the Karnataka Milk Federation (KMF) presidency, he dismissed it as a “media creation” and said office-bearers would handle the issue.
Reports suggest that while his brother D.K. Suresh is keen on becoming KMF chief, PWD Minister Satish Jarkiholi, a close ally of CM Siddaramaiah, is backing another candidate.
