Tejasvi Surya hosts US envoy in Bengaluru, discusses trade and tech ties
Bengaluru (PTI): BJP MP Tejasvi Surya on Monday said he met US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor in the city and discussed the expanding India–US partnership in trade, technology and innovation.
The meeting comes in the backdrop of the recently concluded interim trade agreement between the two countries, with Surya highlighting Bengaluru’s central role in strengthening bilateral economic ties.
“Delighted to welcome His Excellency Sergio Gor, US Ambassador to India, to Bengaluru today,” Surya said in a post on ‘X’.
He said the interaction took place over breakfast at a popular eatery in Indiranagar.
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“Over some masala dosa & strong coffee at Filter Coffee, Indiranagar, we had an engaging conversation on the growing India US partnership, especially in trade, technology and innovation following the interim trade agreement,” he said.
Surya added that he also introduced the envoy to a slice of local life.
“Also introduced him to Namma Auto. A memorable ride indeed,” he said.
Describing the city’s unique character, the MP said, “Bengaluru truly represents the journey from masala dosa to machine learning, blending tradition with cutting-edge innovation and plays a vital role in strengthening economic and people to people ties between our two democracies.”
Highlighting the city’s economic weight, Surya said, “With over 700 American companies and 43% of India’s software exports coming from Bengaluru, our city is central to US India economic ties.”
He further said, “Home to 40% of India’s GCCs, Bengaluru continues to drive innovation led partnership between our two democracies.”
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Min. Priyank Kharge to expresses concern over implementation of VB-G Ram G
Bengaluru: Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Minister Priyank Kharge has expressed concern over the uncertainty surrounding the implementation of the proposed VB-G Ram G scheme, stating that the MNREGA programme, which has been a lifeline for rural India for nearly two decades, appears to be facing an uncertain future.
Speaking to media, Kharge said that as March 31 draws to a close, there is no clarity on the rollout of the new scheme from April 1. He pointed out that the central government has not yet issued the necessary guidelines for implementing the scheme for rural workers and villages.
He criticised the Centre for its lack of preparedness, stating that there is no clarity on fund allocation, no final parameters for classifying gram panchayats, and key processes such as social audits have not been defined.
Kharge said the situation comes at a critical time, as summer marks a peak period for rural employment demand, when many people depend heavily on wage employment for their livelihood.
He added that reports have emerged of delays in approvals and families not receiving work despite demand.
He further alleged that the Centre’s move to shift from a statutory employment guarantee to a rule-based allocation system is already showing negative consequences.
Kharge also raised concerns over provisions such as a mandatory 60-day halt during agricultural seasons, which he said would further limit employment opportunities for rural workers.
The BJP-led central government had claimed that the new scheme would transform rural India, but in reality it is turning out to be detrimental to people’s livelihoods, he said.
“The crisis in rural India due to the stalling of MNREGA is beginning to unfold. Given the Centre’s past record in handling such situations, there is growing concern over the impact on rural livelihoods,” Kharge said.
