1. Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma criticized Karnataka Congress leader Priyank Kharge’s comments on semiconductor investment.
2. Sarma stated that Congress is “showing its true colors” by opposing Assam’s development.
3. He urged Congress leaders to support the state’s growth instead of promoting divisive thinking.
Guwahati, Sep 27: On September 27, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma condemned Karnataka Congress leader Priyank Kharge’s remarks about Assam’s suitability for semiconductor industry investment.
Sarma asserted, “Once again, Congress shows its true colors by opposing Assam’s development.”
Kharge, the son of the Congress national president, claimed that Assam lacks the necessary qualifications to host a semiconductor industry.
Once again, Congress shows its true colors by opposing Assam’s development. A Karnataka minister, who is also the son of the Congress national president, claims that Assam has no right to host a semiconductor industry! I urge Assam Congress leaders to reject this divisive… https://t.co/YBxcBTgVeW
— Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) September 27, 2024
In response, Sarma urged Congress leaders in Assam to reject such “divisive thinking” and support the state’s growth and progress. He emphasized the need for collaboration and unity among political leaders to enhance Assam’s economic prospects, especially in high-tech sectors like semiconductors.
“All political leaders must work together for the betterment of Assam, rather than undermining its potential,” he stated.
Additionally, Assam BJP Minister Jayanta Mallabaruah reacted to Kharge’s comments, accusing the Congress of frustration and jealousy over Assam’s development.
“Look at the frustration of Congress that Assam is finally on the development path,” Mallabaruah remarked.
He criticized prominent Congress leaders for “abusing Assam” amid significant investments in semiconductor manufacturing and assured that the BJP government would not allow anti-Assam sentiments to prevail.
Kharge had previously posted on X (formerly Twitter), questioning the viability of the semiconductor industry in Assam.
He noted that while five semiconductor manufacturing units are being established—four in Gujarat and one in Assam—the state lacks the necessary ecosystem for skills, research, and innovation.
“Seventy percent of chip designing talent lies in Karnataka. I don’t understand why the government wants to push to another state by using political clout. That is unfair,” Kharge wrote.
