Wed Oct 15 16:40:25 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summary and rewritten news article based on the provided text:

**Summary:**

The Deputy Chief Minister of Karnataka, D.K. Shivakumar, has defended Bengaluru’s infrastructure against criticism from Andhra Pradesh’s IT Minister, Nara Lokesh. Lokesh has been actively trying to attract businesses from Bengaluru to Andhra Pradesh, citing infrastructural issues in the Karnataka capital. Shivakumar retorted that Bengaluru remains unmatched in infrastructure, talent, and innovation and that Lokesh is simply using Bengaluru’s name for self-promotion. While acknowledging Google’s AI Hub moving to Andhra Pradesh due to government incentives, Shivakumar asserted that Bengaluru’s inherent strengths continue to attract investment and that businesses are not leaving.

**News Article:**

**Bengaluru Official Dismisses Andhra Pradesh Minister’s Jabs, Touts City’s Strengths**

**Bengaluru, October 15, 2025** – Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar strongly defended Bengaluru’s infrastructure and business climate against recent criticisms leveled by Andhra Pradesh IT Minister Nara Lokesh. The exchange comes amidst Andhra Pradesh’s efforts to attract businesses and investment away from the established tech hub of Bengaluru.

Lokesh, in a recent interview, described Anantapur as “the better side of Bengaluru,” alluding to the infrastructural challenges often cited in the Karnataka capital. He has been actively soliciting companies to relocate to Andhra Pradesh, arguing that the state offers a superior environment for growth. “If citizens are complaining in cities that are not living up to the promises, then I think I have a right to attract that investment to Andhra Pradesh,” he stated.

Shivakumar dismissed Lokesh’s comments as self-serving. “There is no match for Bengaluru in terms of infrastructure, human resources, and innovation,” Shivakumar retorted. “Some people take the name of Bengaluru as they need it to market themselves.”

When questioned about Google’s decision to establish its AI Hub in Andhra Pradesh, Shivakumar acknowledged the role of government incentives in the decision. “How can we stop them from going to Andhra Pradesh? Let them experience other places too,” he said, suggesting a laissez-faire attitude. However, he remained confident in Bengaluru’s enduring appeal. “No one is leaving Bengaluru. We don’t have to advertise. The inherent strength of Bengaluru attracts investments.”

The exchange highlights the intensifying competition between states to attract investment and talent in the rapidly evolving technology sector. While Andhra Pradesh is actively courting businesses with incentives and promises of improved infrastructure, Karnataka is banking on its established reputation and ecosystem to maintain its position as a leading technology destination.

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