Appreciation post takes a sour turn: BJP MP Tejasvi Surya & Industries Min MB Patil spar over KWIN City

Things turned tense between Karnataka’s Industries Minister, MB Patil, and BJP MP Tejasvi Surya as they exchanged words on social media over the KWIN City project (Knowledge, Wellness & Innovation). What started as an appreciation post quickly turned into a verbal spat, with both arguing over who deserves credit for the project—BJP or Congress.


The young BJP MP Surya, on October 19, posted about his interaction with the Consul-General of Singapore in Chennai regarding the upcoming KWIN City near Bengaluru. Patil quickly responded, appreciating Surya’s efforts and urging all MPs to push for more projects in the state. “I urge all MPs to further put pressure to help secure more projects for the State, most importantly at least one semiconductor plant,” Patil said on X.


Surya followed suit and agreed with Patil that "development projects should transcend party politics." However, the young BJP MP was quick to point out that the vision for this city came from former Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai, backing it up with news snippets. “Congratulations to you personally for taking forward and bringing to reality the vision set by the earlier BJP government under CM Shri @BSBommai. Really good work!” he said, adding that it's a great example for the nation that even with a change of guard, Karnataka has policy continuity, indicating the maturity of the state’s politics.

This did not sit well with Patil, who hit out at the 33-year Surya and told him not to engage in “petty politics. “When you were in kindergarten, I was a Member of Parliament. When you were just born I was a Legislator. I was the youngest member of the then parliament and assembly respectively.” the minister responded.

Patil also stated that there was no concrete plan for a 'Knowledge City' from the former CM Bommai. “If you can show the plan and location, I'll resign. If not, I demand your resignation,” he challenged on X. He further urged Surya to ask PM Narendra Modi to allocate “Karnataka's rightful share of resources and secure a semiconductor plant.” He added that the BJP only announces projects on paper but never follows through.

Meanwhile, Surya came back, saying there was “no need to feel so agitated” when the tweet was made in good faith. He also shared a snippet of Bommai’s interview expressing a similar vision for the now KWIN City. “You are a senior politician, Sir. Talking so crudely about my age doesn’t augur well with your good stature. Ageism, in fact, is a disease that is as condemnable as racism. Hope better temperament prevails next time,” he responded.

Patil replied, agreeing that Bommai and previous governments had plans for satellite cities and knowledge cities but reiterated that KWIN City is a completely new initiative from the current Siddaramaiah government. “..which encompasses a portion of land which was acquired as “general industrial area” from even before the term of Sh Bommai,” he wrote.