‘GIM insured against political crisis’

Amid political instability and threat to his continuance in office, chief minister DV Sadananda Gowda is bracing for the Global Investors Meet (GIM)-2012 to be held in Bangalore on June 7 and 8. In a conversation with DNA, Gowda sounded bullish about the mega investment show that could help divert the focus away from infighting within the BJP and chart a development course for the remaining term of 10 months. Excerpts from the interview.

Don’t you think political instability in the state has played spoilsport for GIM?
It is true that recent political developments would cause worries for investors. But thanks to political parties’ positive approach towards development, there is no need to panic. All the three major political parties—the BJP, Congress and JD(S)—have an identical approach towards development. We do not have a strong CPM or CPI in the state that could bring in drastic changes in policies. Even if my government is brought down, it would not have much impact on GIM.

But apprehensions about your political rivals bringing down your government still exist. What will happen to GIM then?
I have already planned to face such an eventuality. Whether I will remain as CM or not, GIM will be held. I have already instructed officials that they should go ahead with GIM even if I am removed from the chief minister’s post. I have taken all measures to ensure this. Anyway, it is the bureaucracy that runs the show; the political leadership just guides them. GIM will be held at any cost.

There has been little progress on the Information Technology Investment Region project after it was announced two years ago. Why?
It is a Union government-supported project and needed the Centre’s approval. We are happy that the Union cabinet accorded consent to the project two weeks ago. We will make a formal announcement about it at GIM. Preliminary notification has been issued for acquiring 2,500 acres of land for the first phase of the project. The first phase is expected to bring investment worth Rs37,000 crore and about 45 companies have expressed their interest to set up units. Over 67% of the land is reserved for industrial purpose, while 33% is marked for residential and amusement purposes.

Nothing much is happening on the Aerospace Park project. Why?
Aerospace Park is part of a much wider Knowledge City project coming up near the Bangalore International Airport. Several Indian and foreign aerospace companies have evinced interest to set up their units here. It is not right to disclose the names at this stage.

Have we succeeded in developing Karnataka as a major destination for automobile companies?
Hero Honda has already started setting up its two-wheeler plant at Narasapura in Kolar district. Reva Electric Car Company has been allocated 400 acres of land in Dharwad for setting up its manufacturing unit. We have a couple of big-ticket investment proposals coming our way.

 The govt is yet to provide land for POSCO's steel plant. Why?
The land earlier identified in Gadag cannot be handed over. So we are trying to convince POSCO to accept an alternative site. We have identified alternative sites at Koppal, Bijapur and Raichur. We will provide land soon.