October 29, 2025

Hold your breath! A fiery war of words has erupted between Karnataka and Assam over the booming semiconductor industry investments. Priyank Kharge, Karnataka’s IT Minister, dropped a bombshell that many didn’t expect. On Sunday, he openly questioned why big semiconductor industries are rushing to Assam and Gujarat instead of Karnataka, the tech hub! He asked, "Why are semiconductor industries going to Assam and Gujarat when they actually want to come to Bengaluru? All the investments meant for Karnataka are being arm-twisted by the Central government to go to Gujarat. What is there in Gujarat? Is there talent there? What is there in Assam? Is there talent there?" Ouch! These words hit a nerve in Assam. Assam’s Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma fired back swiftly on Monday. Calling Kharge’s remarks "deeply insulting" and "derogatory," Sarma said, "He has insulted the Assamese youth, and the Congress has not yet condemned him. We might file a case against him because he has said that Assam doesn't have competent young people. This is an insult to the youth of Assam." This drama added new fire to the ongoing political rivalry. Not to be left behind, Assam BJP blazed social media with sharp words against Kharge. They mocked his “arrogant outburst” and sarcastically wrote, “If ‘talent’ means boot-licking the boss and snatching biscuits meant for Rahul Gandhi’s pet, then thank God the people of Assam are talentless.” The party also questioned, “Junior Kharge, apart from being born as Senior Kharge’s son, do you have any actual skills? This father–son franchise has made a habit of insulting Assam.” Bold words flying thick and fast! Why all this fuss? Well, last year Assam witnessed the grand Bhumi pujan (groundbreaking) for a massive Rs 27,000 crore semiconductor assembly and test facility at Jagiroad in Morigaon district. This cutting-edge tech plant is expected to kick into gear by 2025. This mega project is a shining hope for Assam’s youth and economy, making Kharge’s remarks all the more sensitive. So, what’s next? Will the case be filed? Will Karnataka defend its minister or apologise? One thing is for sure — the semiconductor boom is not just big business; it’s lighting a political firecracker across India!

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Tags: Priyank kharge, Assam, Himanta biswa sarma, Semiconductor industry, Karnataka, Gujarat,