Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has firmly refuted claims that he requested the relocation of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) from Bengaluru, Karnataka, to Andhra Pradesh. Speaking at the annual Mahanadu Sabha in Kadapa on Wednesday, Naidu clarified that his discussions with the central government revolved solely around establishing a new defense manufacturing hub within Andhra Pradesh, particularly in the Rayalaseema region.
Naidu emphasized that he never sought the transfer of HAL or any other institution from Karnataka or any other state. "I never asked for the HAL located in Bengaluru to be shifted to Andhra Pradesh. It's a massive, strategic facility, such institutions can't and shouldn't be moved. I have never sought the relocation of any project from one region to another, and such an idea is not part of my history," he stated emphatically. He further added that the Telugu Desam Party (TDP), which he leads, is committed to development and does not believe in taking away projects from other states.
The Chief Minister explained that his government has identified Lepakshi in the Anantapur district as an ideal location for developing aircraft manufacturing and other defense-related industries. He lamented that his earlier promotion of Lepakshi's potential was misconstrued by some politicians in Karnataka as an attempt to relocate HAL. Naidu clarified that his intention was always to attract new investments and development to Andhra Pradesh without depriving other states of their existing assets.
The issue arose after reports suggested that Naidu had proposed shifting HAL’s Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) and Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) production units from Karnataka to Andhra Pradesh during a recent meeting with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. These reports triggered strong reactions from Karnataka ministers, who vehemently opposed any such move. Karnataka's Industry Minister MB Patil described the reported request as "highly inappropriate" and against the spirit of inter-state cooperation. Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar echoed these sentiments, asserting that Karnataka would not permit the shifting of any facility operating within the state.
Naidu's office has clarified that the Chief Minister had offered 10,000 acres of land in Lepakshi, situated approximately 70 km from the Karnataka border, for potential HAL expansion. The Andhra Pradesh government believes that this area provides ample space and the strategic advantages necessary for defense manufacturing, which might be more challenging to secure in Karnataka's existing facilities. This proposal, however, was intended as an opportunity for HAL to expand its footprint and contribute to the growth of the defense sector in Andhra Pradesh, not as a replacement for its existing operations in Karnataka.
By addressing the issue head-on, Chief Minister Naidu aims to dispel any misunderstandings and reaffirm his commitment to cooperative federalism and regional development that benefits all states.
