Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], October 15 (ANI): Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Wednesday strongly defended Bengaluru, asserting that there is 'no match' for the city in terms of infrastructure, human resources and innovation. He also accused those criticising Bengaluru of using its name merely to market themselves.

'There is no match for Bengaluru in terms of infrastructure, human resources and innovation. Some people take the name of Bengaluru as they need it to market themselves,' Shivakumar said, responding to the remarks made by Andhra Pradesh IT Minister Nara Lokesh.

Speaking to reporters at Vidhana Soudha, the Deputy Chief Minister said, 'I will not react to the statements of Na Ra Lokesh or someone else. There are 25 lakh IT professionals and 2 lakh foreigners working in Bengaluru. Bengaluru's contribution to the country is immense. There is no match for Bengaluru.'

Highlighting the city's global reputation, he said, 'I know how many foreign leaders contact us to set up businesses in Bengaluru. I speak to the IT minister and the Industries minister on a regular basis. Many foreign companies which were working out of rented places are coming forward to buy their own campuses. That is the power of Bengaluru.'

On Kiran Mazumdar Shaw's post on X regarding the infrastructure of Bengaluru, Shivakumar said that the image of the state and country was being tarnished.

'She is tarnishing the image of the state and the country by such social media posts. Where was she for the last 25 years? Bengaluru has made the highest contribution to her growth. Those who criticise must remember how much of land the government has given to them to establish the business in Bengaluru,' he said.

On civic issues, including potholes, the Deputy CM said the government is taking proactive measures. 'We are doing our best. We have now made the IT hub a separate corporation. It has good revenues, and it doesn't have to share them with any other corporation. We are aware of the problems in the area and hence we have made the decision to form a separate corporation for this region. It can use the revenue of Rs 1500 crore for the development of the wards,' he said.

'Let all companies disclose what they are doing with CSR funds. I am not questioning anyone. If they want to threaten us with their tweets, it is up to them. They are working against the city and the state. We are not China, taking up developmental works without worrying about opposition. How many people give away their land for road widening? India is a democracy and we need to follow the due process and limitations. She has to remember where she grew up and where she grew her business. You can't kick the very ladder that helped you climb,' he added.

Speaking on the launch of the Google AI Hub in Andhra Pradesh, the Deputy CM said, 'How can we stop them from going to Andhra Pradesh. They are going there because they are offering many concessions. Let them experience other places too.'

When asked about the Rs 1 lakh crore investment that is missing for the state, he affirmed that the city's inherent strength attracted investments.

'Foreign dignitaries keep meeting us to explore investment in the state. No one is leaving Bengaluru. We don't have to advertise; the inherent strength of Bengaluru attracts investments,' he said. (ANI)