Honda not moving out of Karnataka, says Industries Minister Patil; Calls Kumaraswamy's claim baseless

Large and Medium Industries Minister MB Patil on Sunday dismissed Union Heavy Industries Minister HD Kumaraswamy's claim that Honda Motors was planning to leave Karnataka, calling the allegation baseless and politically motivated.

Such remarks could hurt the state's efforts to attract investment and promote industrial growth, the minister said in a statement.

Patil noted that Honda has maintained a strong presence in Karnataka for over a decade. The company was allotted 135 acres in phases at Narasapura in Kolar district starting in 2011 and has been manufacturing two-wheelers there since 2013. The facility currently produces around 10,000 vehicles a day and provides employment to more than 7,800 people.


Patil added that Honda also runs a 35-acre spare parts warehousing and distribution center at Adinarayana Hosahalli in Doddaballapura taluk, serving the entire southern region. Given the company's long association with the state, Kumaraswamy should make statements responsibly, Patil said.

The minister said Honda is now preparing to enter electric two-wheeler manufacturing and plans to commence production at its Narasapura facility in the coming days. "There have been no lapses on the part of the state government in its dealings with Honda, nor has the company expressed any dissatisfaction with Karnataka," he said.

Patil also questioned Kumaraswamy's remarks, saying a Union minister from Karnataka should focus on attracting more investments to the state. "By making unsubstantiated claims that industries are moving to states such as Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, and Odisha, is he not acting against Karnataka's interests?" he said.