Priyank Kharge at the Forefront of Key Developments: From Sister City Corridors to Electoral Bond Controversies

Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge has been in the spotlight for several significant developments recently. One of the notable initiatives is the proposal for a sister city corridor between Bengaluru and San Francisco, aimed at boosting innovation, entrepreneurship, and trade collaborations between the two cities.

In a discussion with U.S. Ambassador Eric Garcetti, Kharge emphasized the potential of this corridor in enhancing economic, business, and technological investments. The initiative also includes plans for skill corridors, particularly in fintech, AI, and semiconductor manufacturing, in partnership with Austin. The U.S. Ambassador assured that steps would be prioritized for establishing a U.S. consulate in Bengaluru, which would create job opportunities and enhance visa availability for students from Karnataka and South India.

Electoral Bond Controversy

On a different front, Priyank Kharge has been vocal in demanding the resignation of Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman following a court-ordered FIR against her and other BJP leaders. The FIR, registered under IPC sections 384, 120B, and 34, alleges extortion through the now-scrapped electoral bond scheme. Kharge criticized the BJP, highlighting that companies running at a significant loss had made substantial donations to the party through this scheme, which he and others have termed as unconstitutional.

Kharge pointed out that 33 companies with losses of ₹1 lakh crore donated ₹576.2 crore to the BJP, while six companies with positive net profits donated ₹646 crore, exceeding their aggregate net profit. He also accused BJP leaders, including B Y Vijayendra, of involvement in money laundering through shell companies.

Semiconductor Industry Dispute

Additionally, Kharge has been involved in a dispute with Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma over the establishment of semiconductor units in Assam and Gujarat. Kharge argued that these states lack the necessary ecosystem for skills, research, and innovation, particularly when compared to Karnataka, which is home to a significant portion of India's chip designing talent. Sarma responded by criticizing Kharge's stance, urging Assam Congress leaders to support the state's development initiatives.

The semiconductor projects, worth about ₹1.25 lakh crore, include facilities in Gujarat and Assam, with the Assam facility expected to be operational by 2025 and create 27,000 jobs. Despite the potential economic benefits, Kharge's criticism highlights the ongoing debate over the distribution of such critical industrial projects across different states.