Bengaluru, Nov 1 (PT) Karnataka Large and Medium Industries Minister M B Patil on Sunday strongly rejected Union Minister for Heavy Industries H D Kumaraswamy’s claim that Honda Motors is planning to move out of the state.
Describing the statement as “baseless and politically motivated”, he cautioned that such “irresponsible remarks” could undermine the state’s industrial growth.
Responding to Kumaraswamy’s allegations, Patil said, “Honda has been allotted 135 acres of land in phases at Narasapura in Kolar district since 2011. The company has been manufacturing two-wheelers there since 2013 and currently produces 10,000 vehicles a day, providing employment to more than 7,800 people.”
Besides, the company also operates a 35-acre spare parts warehousing and distribution facility at Adinarayana Hosahalli in Doddaballapura taluk, catering to the entire southern region, he said, according to a release by his office.
“Kumaraswamy should be aware of the company’s strong association with Karnataka and make statements responsibly,” he said.
Patil further stated that Honda was keen to venture into electric two-wheeler manufacturing and planned to begin production at its Narasapura campus in the coming days.
“There have been no lapses on the part of the state government in its dealings with Honda, nor has the company expressed any dissatisfaction with the state. It is inappropriate for Kumaraswamy, who himself hails from Karnataka, to make such remarks,” he added.
Claiming that Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India had decided to withdraw its proposed electric vehicle manufacturing project at Narasapura in Kolar, Kumaraswamy had on Saturday asked the state government to explain the reasons behind it.
Asserting that Kumaraswamy should instead focus on attracting more industries to Karnataka, Patil said, “Would he not be undermining the interests of his own state by creating a furore with unfounded claims that companies are moving to Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Telangana and Odisha?” PTI KSU ROH
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