Google’s planned $15 billion AI hub investment in Andhra Pradesh, announced jointly with Airtel, triggered criticism from Karnataka’s leadership. Karnataka’s IT minister Priyank Kharge cautioned about potential fiscal liabilities and incentive burden, comparing state competition for tech projects to ‘spice in food’ but risk of imbalance. Meanwhile, Andhra leaders celebrated the mega-deal as validation of their tech ambitions. The spat highlights tensions in inter-state economic incentives amid India’s race to host AI infrastructure.