After BJP and Congress, JDS leader HD Kumaraswamy claims credit for US Consulate in Bengaluru

JDS leader and Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel, HD Kumaraswamy, met with the then US Ambassador to India, Kenneth Juster, in 2018.

After the BJP and Congress, JDS leader and Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel, HD Kumaraswamy, has now claimed credit for the opening of the US consulate in Bengaluru, scheduled for January 17. Kumaraswamy asserted that the idea for establishing the consulate in the city was first proposed by him in 2006, recognising Bengaluru's key role in technology and innovation.

Also, read: US consulate in Bengaluru opens on January 17, Cong-BJP credit war intensifies

“However, the path to success was not without hurdles. During the UPA regime, political pressures from another state resulted in the consulate being shifted elsewhere, temporarily stalling Bengaluru’s aspirations for hosting such a diplomatic mission,” he said.

“In 2018, during his tenure as the CM of Karnataka, Kumaraswamy renewed efforts to bring the consulate to Bengaluru by meeting then-US Ambassador to India Kenneth Juster” a statement said.

Also, read: US Consulate in Bengaluru: Site dedication ceremony on January 17

“The discussions I had with Juster in 2018 were pivotal. I reiterated that Bengaluru is a city that bridges global technology and diplomacy. The consulate would serve as a symbol of the growing partnership between India and the United States,” Kumaraswamy said.

Taking to X (formerly Twitter), he wrote: “As Chief Minister in 2018, I met then-US Ambassador Kenneth Juster to strongly advocate for Bengaluru’s rightful claim for a US Consulate. The images reflect those efforts and the commitment to this vision”.

“A heartfelt thank you to Hon’ble PM Shri @narendramodi avaru and EAM @DrSJaishankar avaru for their instrumental roles in making this dream come true. This milestone not only elevates Bengaluru’s global stature but also strengthens India-US ties.” he said.

The development of the consulate has also sparked a political credit war between Congress and BJP. Karnataka Minister for Electronics, IT/BT, and Rural Development Priyank Kharge and BJP youth leader and Bengaluru South MP Tejasvi Surya have both claimed credit for the project.

Currently, the US operates consulates in Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Mumbai, and New Delhi. The addition of the Bengaluru consulate is part of a broader expansion plan, which includes another consulate in Ahmedabad.

Also, read: US consulate in Bengaluru: Credit war erupts between Congress and BJP