Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah requests PM Narendra Modi to withdraw IT concessions to Andhra Pradesh

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Thursday requested Prime Minister Narendra Modi to withdraw the concessions the Centre has provided Andhra Pradesh for the information technology (IT) sector, stating that such allowances would cause an unhealthy competition between the two states.

"I appeal to Prime Minister Narendra Modi that the largesse of generosity to Andhra Pradesh for the development of its IT sector can lead to an unhealthy competition between that state and Karnataka. I further request him to withdraw whatever concessions he has given that state," Siddaramaiah told the media. "Today, I have called a state high-level committee meeting as far as the investment in the IT sector is concerned. We have cleared one proposal for Rs 1,376 crores for expansion of employment," he added.

Siddaramaiah also stated that the state authorities were taking all possible steps to check the spate of incidents of rape and molestations, which have recently cropped up in schools of Karnataka. "We have taken all measures. The cases have been registered. We have entrusted the cases to the CID, who are investigating the issue," he said. Speaking on the statements on rape given by Karnataka Home Minister KJ George, Siddaramaiah said that he will hold discussions with his minister.

"We are serious about the [rape] incidents. As for the question of what context KJ George made the statements, you will have to discuss it with him. I too will hold discussions with him on the same," he said. Earlier in the day, George accused the media of only highlighting news related to sexual assaults and projecting Bangalore as a 'rape city' to increase TRP ratings.