BJP, Congress Lock Horns In Karnataka Over Google's Decision To Manufacture Pixel Phones In Tamil Nadu

After Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin announced that Google has decided to partner with Tamil Nadu to manufacture its flagship Pixel smartphones in the state, it sparked a heated debate in neighbouring Karnataka. The opposition BJP criticised the ruling Congress government, claiming that Karnataka missed out on this investment opportunity due to deteriorating law and order in the state.

"Karnataka loses another investor to neighbouring state. The deteriorating law and order and unease of doing business in Karnataka due to the failing governance of the Congress govt is pushing investors and job creators to move out of the state. BJP turned Karnataka into an economic powerhouse, while CM Siddaramaiah is destroying it through his illogical policies," the BJP said in a post on X.

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Responding to these allegations, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar accused the BJP of twisting facts. "It is shameful of BJP leaders who have tweeted this. Let them check the documents first - how many investors and businessmen have gone out of the country and settled outside India for the harassment which has been given by the BJP Government. When the Congress party came here, a lot of investors came...Now, after the elections, we will show you and come out with a list of interested people. Karnataka is a place for growth, development, peace..." DK Shivakumar said.

On Friday, Stalin announced that Google Pixel smartphones will soon be manufactured locally at a facility near Chennai. This decision follows a visit by State Industry Minister TRB Raja to Google's US headquarters, accompanied by Foxconn officials, to explore business opportunities in Tamil Nadu. As a result of these discussions, Google has decided to set up a Pixel smartphone manufacturing plant in Tamil Nadu along with Foxconn, Stalin said.

Google officials met with the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister in Chennai on Thursday. This development is expected to create employment opportunities for Tamil Nadu's youth, particularly those with higher education in information technology, CM Stalin said.

(With ANI Inputs)