Vijayapura: Large and Medium Industries Minister MB Patil criticized the former BJP government on Thursday, attributing Ather’s decision to relocate its operations from Karnataka to Maharashtra to their mismanagement. Patil’s remarks were in response to BJP President BY Vijayendra’s comments on “X” and MLA Aravind Bellad’s accusations that the Congress government’s negligence caused Ather’s departure.
Patil explained that Ather had requested 50 acres, but the previous BJP government only approved 35 acres, with 5 acres entangled in disputes. “Frustrated by these complications, Ather returned the land and eventually moved to Maharashtra,” Patil stated. He highlighted that the Congress government had implemented a progressive EV policy in 2017, which the subsequent BJP administration failed to leverage.
Patil also highlighted that BJP leaders, who are now blaming Congress for Ather’s move, were silent when Ola opted for Tamil Nadu over Karnataka. “Bellad should recall this,” he added.
