BENGALURU: Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar has taken a swipe at Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy after the latter wrote to the state government seeking the allocation of land for two proposed testing centres in Mandya district. Shivakumar said he was happy that Kumaraswamy had accepted him as Chief Minister, making a pointed political remark while responding to the minister’s request.
Kumaraswamy, who represents Mandya in the Lok Sabha and serves as Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel, has urged the Karnataka government to expedite land allocation for a Construction and Infrastructure Equipment (CIE) Testing Centre and an Electric Vehicle (EV) Testing Centre proposed by the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI).
The exchange comes amid concerns over delays in moving the projects forward, with Kumaraswamy arguing that the facilities could strengthen Mandya’s industrial ecosystem and create employment opportunities.
Kumaraswamy flags nearly 10-month delay
In his letter to Shivakumar, Kumaraswamy expressed concern that the proposed projects had remained pending despite nearly 10 months of discussions, site inspections and correspondence between the concerned authorities.
The two testing facilities are expected to support research, technological development and testing requirements in the automotive and electric mobility sectors. Their establishment could also help attract related industries and create jobs in Mandya and neighbouring areas.
Kumaraswamy has pointed to the involvement of ARAI, the Mandya district administration, the Karnataka Industrial Areas Development Board (KIADB) and other state departments in the process of identifying suitable land.
According to the minister’s account, several locations were examined to determine their suitability for the proposed facilities. However, the land allocation had not been finalised, prompting him to seek the Chief Minister’s direct intervention.
Two testing centres proposed for Mandya
The CIE Testing Centre is intended to support the testing and evaluation of construction and infrastructure equipment. The EV Testing Centre would provide facilities relevant to electric vehicles and the wider electric mobility industry.
Kumaraswamy has argued that the projects could strengthen India’s automotive research and development capabilities while creating opportunities for investment and employment.
During the site-selection process, locations at Basaralu and Yelechakanahalli were among those examined. The proposals involved assessing land availability, road connectivity and the technical requirements of the facilities.
Around 100 acres at Basaralu was considered potentially suitable for the CIE Testing Centre, subject to improvements in road connectivity. An additional 60 acres was required for the EV Testing Centre.
Yelechakanahalli was also examined as an alternative location for establishing both facilities together. However, challenges involving private land acquisition and transport connectivity needed to be addressed.
Kumaraswamy has urged the state government to make a decision on the land at the earliest, arguing that further delays could affect the projects’ progress and their potential economic benefits.
Shivakumar’s remark adds political edge
Shivakumar’s response added a political dimension to what is also an administrative issue involving land allocation and industrial development.
His remark that he was happy Kumaraswamy had accepted him as Chief Minister was a pointed response to the Union Minister’s letter seeking his intervention.
The exchange reflects the political differences between the Congress-led state government and the BJP-JD(S) alliance, even as the two sides deal with proposals involving industrial infrastructure and regional development.
The letter also places the focus on the state government’s responsibility to assess the proposed facilities, determine suitable sites and coordinate with the relevant agencies before making a final decision.
Land allocation remains key to projects
The proposed centres are expected to contribute to Mandya’s industrial development by supporting automotive testing, research and related economic activity. Their progress, however, depends on resolving questions surrounding land availability, site suitability and infrastructure.
The state government will need to consider the technical requirements of the facilities alongside connectivity, land acquisition and other administrative factors before finalising the allocation.
The latest exchange has brought renewed attention to the projects and the delay highlighted by Kumaraswamy. Whether the state government can expedite the process will be significant for the proposed facilities and their potential contribution to employment and industrial growth in Mandya.