MP Tejasvi Surya calls setting up of US Consulate in Bengaluru 'historic' milestone for city
Bengaluru (PTI): Bengaluru South MP Tejasvi Surya on Friday said the setting up of a US Consulate here in the second week of January 2025 would be a historic milestone for the city, as US Ambassador to India, Eric Garcetti, finally announced the operations of the consular office here.
He said the opening of the Consulate marks the culmination of years of persistent efforts to address a long-standing demand from the citizens of Bengaluru.
According to a statement shared by his office, since taking office in 2019, Surya had pushed for the opening of the Consulate in Bengaluru, which contributes 40 per cent of India's IT revenue and is a home to lakhs of tech professionals.
He had highlighted the absence of a dedicated US Consulate in the city compelled thousands of residents to travel to Chennai or Hyderabad for US visa-related services.
In November 2019, he wrote to External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar emphasising Bengaluru's critical role in Indo-US ties.
"Surya highlighted that Bengaluru's 750 multinational companies, including 370 US-based firms, and the large number of students and entrepreneurs traveling to the US, made a compelling case for a consulate," it stated.
In a post on 'X', Surya said, "This milestone wouldn't have been possible without the leadership of PM Sri Narendra Modi Ji and the relentless support of EAM Dr S Jaishankar. Their commitment to promoting Bengaluru's interests has ensured the fulfilment of this long-pending demand. I also thank US Ambassadors Kenneth Juster and Eric Garcetti for their unwavering support."
"According to him, the establishment of the Consulate is expected to simplify visa application processes for thousands of students, professionals, and entrepreneurs, enhance bilateral trade and collaboration, particularly in the tech and innovation sectors and strengthen Bengaluru's position as a global hub for commerce and technology.
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Meghalaya MP death: Assembly session for Feb 20 likely to be adjourned, says CM
Shillong (PTI): The Meghalaya assembly session for February 20, during which the state budget is scheduled to be presented, could be adjourned as a mark of respect to Shillong MP Ricky A J Syngkon, who died on Thursday evening, Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma said.
Syngkon reportedly collapsed while playing futsal on the outskits of the city, and doctors at a private hospital declared him dead around 8:45 pm.
"We have discussed with Deputy Chief Minister and in-charge of Parliamentary Affairs, Prestone Tynsong, and we will have a meeting tomorrow with the Business Advisory Committee (BAC) headed by the Speaker," Sangma told PTI.
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"I have communicated to the Deputy CM that it would be appropriate for the government not to go ahead with the proceedings of the House tomorrow. Even though tomorrow is the day we are supposed to present the budget, it will make absolute sense and a mark of respect to the departed soul if we were to postpone even the presentation of the budget," he said.
Sangma expressed shock over the sudden demise of Syngkon, recalling their recent meeting in Delhi where they discussed development plans for Meghalaya.
"I had met Syngkon about two weeks back in Delhi... that was the last meeting and conversation I had with him," the CM said.
Sangma recalled Syngkon's commitment and passion for the people of Khasi and Jaintia Hills, describing his demise as a "great loss for the state".
"Syngkon served the people with humility, vision and a sincere desire to uplift society. I express my deepest condolences to the family of late Ricky Syngkon, and I pray to the Almighty that he gives strength to the family members as well as his supporters and party leaders to bear the huge loss," the chief minister added.
