Congress leader and Rural Development Minister Priyank Kharge today charged the BJP-led central government with diverting investments from Karnataka to states like Gujarat and Assam, questioning the industrial and talent readiness of these states compared to Karnataka.

Addressing reporters, Kharge wondered, "Why are semiconductor industries going to Assam and Gujarat when they want to come to Bengaluru? What is there in Gujarat? Is there talent there? What is there in Assam? Is there talent there?"

"When industrialists are giving their applications that they would like to come to Karnataka or Tamil Nadu why are they being directed to Gujarat? Let the Centre explain," he demanded.

Kharge also targetted BJP MP Tejasvi Surya, alleging that he has made "zero contribution to Bengaluru's IT development" and called into question the performance of BJP MPs from the city over the past two decades.

"Tell me one project that he or the BJP MPs of Bengaluru have delivered. Instead of always being portrayed negatively, let him explain what he has contributed," he said.

On the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), Kharge said, "Questions about the existence of the world's largest NGO are valid. It is high time somebody asked this question and got an answer. They are not above the law or the Constitution. Every organisation should be accountable. So what's wrong with it?"

Kharge also cited government incentives to multinational tech firms, including Google AI, highlighting the scale of subsidies and benefits given to industries outside Karnataka.

"Look at Google AI — 22,000 crore subsidy, 25% of market value, 100% state GST reimbursement. 10,000 crores for Amravati (Andhra Pradesh). What has the BJP given? Karnataka contributes 4.5 lakh crores in IT exports; the next closest is Telangana at 2.1 lakh crores. Let them amend and give 10% of what we are contributing," he said.

Kharge's remarks come amid ongoing debates over central investment allocations and Bengaluru's position as India's IT hub, with the Congress leader emphasizing the need for accountability and fair investment distribution to ensure Karnataka's industrial and technological growth.