Kadapa (Andhra Pradesh), May 28: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu firmly denied recent media reports and political claims that he asked for the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) unit in Karnataka to be shifted to Andhra Pradesh.

Speaking at the Telugu Desam Party’s annual event ‘Mahanadu’ held in Kadapa, Naidu clarified that his request to the central government was only about setting up a new defence manufacturing hub in Andhra Pradesh, not about moving existing institutions from other states. He said clearly, “I never asked for the HAL in Bengaluru to be shifted. It’s a large and important strategic unit — such facilities should not be moved. I’ve never supported relocating any project from one state to another.”

Naidu pointed out that Lepakshi in Anantapur district is a very good location for setting up defence and aircraft manufacturing industries. He said his earlier mention of Lepakshi’s potential was misunderstood by some leaders in Karnataka. “Our focus is on bringing new investments and industries to Andhra Pradesh,” he added.

Last week, Naidu met Defence Minister Rajnath Singh to propose a plan for a defence and aerospace manufacturing hub in Andhra Pradesh, especially in the Rayalaseema region. During the meeting, held in New Delhi on May 23, he shared a detailed vision that included new industrial zones, research partnerships, testing centres, and training facilities. He emphasized the need for a self-reliant ecosystem under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat mission.

Naidu said Andhra Pradesh is ready to support this with strong infrastructure, skilled workers, and business-friendly policies. He reiterated that the Telugu Desam Party believes in development without disrupting the growth of other states.