Political Showdown: Congress and JDS Clash on Social Media Over Bengaluru's Infrastructure and Investment Climate

New Delhi:

A spirited social media showdown erupted between Congress and Janata Dal Secular (JDS) on X platform Thursday, ignited by discussions over Karnataka's infrastructure. The online confrontation began after Andhra Pradesh minister Nara Lokesh posted a critical comment aimed at Congress, escalating tensions over Bengaluru's development issues.

The exchange was initiated when JDS youth wing leader Nikhil Kumaraswamy, son of former Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy, responded to Lokesh's post with sharp criticism. "Andhra is cooking up investments, Karnataka's are busy cooking excuses. Andhra is attracting Google, Karnataka's ministers are threatening people who use it. No roads, no funds, no jobs... just reels, real estate, and rhetoric!" He concluded with a fraternal reference, adding that under NDA leadership, Andhra had demonstrated how to revitalize a state, promising Karnataka would experience similar transformation by 2028.

Congress's Karnataka unit responded swiftly with data-backed counterarguments. "Karnataka is India's investment magnet. Rs 54,427 crore (US$ 6.57 billion) FDI, or foreign direct investment, in FY23-24. From semiconductors to EVs, from startups to smart infra, we're cooking with real billions..." The party presented extensive statistics highlighting global manufacturing companies operating in Karnataka.

These investments included a US$400 million R&D facility from AMD and a billion-dollar commitment from Foxconn, the world's largest contract mobile manufacturer. Congress then directed personal criticism at Kumaraswamy, referencing his electoral record: "After three failed launches, you finally got a 'job' in your family business, which by the way, economists call 'disguised unemployment'."

The party further suggested that Kumaraswamy discuss with his father about investments allegedly diverted to Gujarat and Uttar Pradesh due to "the centre's manipulative interference."

The exchange intensified when Nikhil Kumaraswamy responded with criticisms of Bengaluru's infrastructure, particularly its roads and traffic congestion. "Looks like bro got stuck in an ORR traffic jam and rage-tweeted this... Love the stats dump! But tell that to Bengalureans stuck in traffic, dodging potholes, and watching startups shift out." He also directed criticism toward Congress MP Rahul Gandhi, comparing his political career to unsuccessful launches.

Congress attempted to distance itself from the casual terminology: "Please don't 'bro' us... it was funny when we did it but horrifying to have you say that to us... the distinction of being your 'bro' remains with some of the most infamous people this state has seen."

Kumaraswamy had the final word in this exchange: "Keep the 'bro' drama to yourselves, we're not auditioning... If asking for roads and results makes you this insecure, maybe it's not the word 'bro' that hurts... it is the truth." He included a red chili emoji, referencing Nara Lokesh's earlier comment about "spicy" investments.

The social media clash stemmed from Nara Lokesh's original comment: "They say Andhra food is spicy. Seems some of our investments are too. Some neighbours are already feeling the burn..." This statement followed Google's decision to invest US$15 billion in a data and AI hub in Andhra Pradesh rather than Karnataka.

The interstate rivalry was further fueled by Biocon chief Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw sharing on X that a Chinese colleague had questioned Bengaluru's poor road conditions and waste management, asking: "Doesn't the government want to support investment?"