Why are Assam youths leaving state for work? Priyank, Assam CM spar over semiconductor investments

BENGALURU: A war of words broke out between Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and Karnataka IT-BT minister Priyank Kharge on Monday over investments in their respective states for the setting up of semiconductor plants.It all started with Kharge reportedly telling a news channel that investments meant for Karnataka were being diverted to Gujarat and Assam (both BJP-governed states) after "arm-twisting" by the Centre. He allegedly also stated that there was no talent in the Northeastern state for setting up big industries.

Sarma retorted, saying: "Priyank Kharge is a first-class idiot. He has insulted Assamese youth," and his govt was considering filing a case against Priyank.

Priyank: Why are Assam youths leaving state for work?

This got Priyank to hit back, accusing Sarma and BJP of deliberately misinterpreting his comments. In a post on X, Priyank said: “As usual, the BJP and CM Himanta Biswa Sarma are twisting my words. My statement is clear and very specific. It is about how semiconductor companies were being pressured to set up [plants] in Gujarat and Assam, even when they had expressed a clear interest in Karnataka.”He also criticised the Assam govt’s performance under Sarma, citing corruptionand failure to deliver on key development fronts.

“After ne arly a decade of BJP rule, Assam today ranks among the bottom five states in crucial development indicators like health, education and economic growth, as per NITI Aayog’s latest report. The only thing Mr Sarma has managed to grow is his own wealth.”He further questioned Sarma’s handling of employment. “Instead of trying to whitewash his failures by giving my statements a political spin, the CM should ask himself what he’s done for the young people of his state. Why are they leaving Assam to find work elsewhere?”