Karnataka’s D K Shivakumar Advocates Bengaluru-Hyderabad Collaboration

Karnataka’s Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar has called for enhanced collaboration between Bengaluru and Hyderabad, stating that cooperation, rather than competition, will be vital for the economic development of southern India. His remarks came during the Telangana Rising Global Summit, held at Bharat Future City in Meerkhanpet, Ranga Reddy district, on October 23, 2023.

In his address, Shivakumar commended the rapid advancements made by the Telangana government under the leadership of Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy. He noted that within just two years, Telangana has established itself on the global stage. Reflecting on his previous views, he stated, “After witnessing the scale and vision of this event, I realized Telangana is cooperating globally, not competing locally.” This shift in perspective underscores the potential for collaboration between the two cities.

Shivakumar congratulated Reddy and his team for their forward-thinking initiatives, particularly highlighting the forthcoming ‘Vision 2047’ document, which he described as a clear strategic plan for future generations. Despite commitments in the Karnataka Assembly, he made the trip to Hyderabad to show solidarity with Reddy and support the summit’s goals.

Unity among southern states, according to Shivakumar, will be essential for India’s economic ascent. He emphasized that it is not solely Telangana but the entire southern region that stands in support of national progress. He stated, “Joining together is the beginning, thinking together is progress, and working together will be success.”

Shivakumar pointed out that southern states already contribute over 30 percent of India’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), a figure anticipated to rise to 40–45 percent in the coming years. He highlighted Bengaluru’s significant role in the global technology ecosystem, noting that the city employs nearly 2.5 million engineers. Meanwhile, Hyderabad’s expanding capabilities present opportunities for the two cities to collaborate as partners rather than competitors.

“When we talk about India’s technology story, we cannot speak of it without mentioning both Bengaluru and Hyderabad together,” he asserted, advocating for greater synergy between the two hubs to propel India’s technological and economic leadership. Shivakumar assured that Karnataka would fully support the initiatives of the Telangana government and praised its commitment to establishing a global benchmark under Reddy’s leadership.

He encouraged investors to have confidence in both states, stressing that the future development of the South will depend on meticulous planning, hard work, and integrity. As Shivakumar concluded his remarks, the emphasis on collaboration and unity resonated strongly, setting a positive tone for future initiatives aimed at driving southern India’s growth.