Will Parrikar succeed in shifting Aero India out of Bengaluru to Goa?

Bengaluru, July 26: The latest media reports quoting Goa Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar that the much famed Aero India might be shifted out of India's Aviation Capital of Bengaluru, is likely to backfire on Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar.

OneIndia had reported during the 10th edition of Aero India 2015 held in Bengaluru during February 2015, sighting hints that the show might be shifted out.

To a pointed query from OneIndia to then Secretary Defence Production G Mohan Kumar (now Defence Secretary) whether the next edition of Aero India (2017) would be moved out of Bengaluru, he had replied saying: "We have no idea."

Sources had indicated to OneIndia that a section within the MoD were keen to shift Aero India out of Bengaluru, sighting its growing infrastructure, high-rise buildings and sky-rocketing rentals.

They also had said that there was very limited possibility to expand the show area at Air Force Station Yelahanka.

But, the recent news on Manohar Parrikar backing the move in a hasty manner might backfire on him considering the fact that Bengaluru houses maximum aerospace and defence establishments in India.

His ambitious plan to put his home state on spotlight might find few takers, say sources.

"We were aware of the move fort sometime and every during UPA-2s tenure there were strong lobbying for the event to be shifted out. Now, with the Goa CM coming on record, we feel things might be taking some shape. But, it is too early to comment whether the idea will see the light of the day. If so, it will be a bad one, considering the advantage Bengaluru offers," an official from Defence Research and Development Organisation, said.

It will be interesting to see the response from the Karnataka government, which has been playing host to Aero India during the last 10 editions.

OneIndia News