Caught unprepared ??? 'Every country has stupid people': Marco Rubio responds to anti-Indian racism in US ::::: "Our nation has been enriched by people who come to our country from all over the world""

 'Every country has stupid people': Rubio responds to anti-Indian racism in US

Rubio said he took such concerns seriously, but stressed that offensive comments made by individuals did not represent American values.

"Our nation has been enriched by people who come to our country, have come from our country, from all over the world, have become Americans, have assimilated into our way of life, and it's contributing," he said.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Sunday defended the United States as a welcoming country, dismissing racist remarks targeting Indians as the actions of “stupid people” that do not reflect America’s broader character as an immigrant-friendly nation.

Speaking at a joint press conference with External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar in New Delhi, Rubio was responding to a question on racism against Indians in the US.

Rubio said he took such concerns seriously, but stressed that offensive comments made by individuals did not represent American values. 

"I don't know how to address that, but I'll take that very seriously," he said.

"I'm sure that there are people that have made comments online and other places, because every country in the world has stupid people. I'm sure stupid people here, they're stupid people in the United States that make dumb comments all the time," Rubio added.

"I don't know what else to tell you, other than the United States is a very welcoming country," the top US diplomat continued.

Rubio also highlighted the contribution of immigrants, including the Indian diaspora, to American society and the economy.

Acknowledging the economic contribution made by the Indian community in the US, Rubio said, "I accept what you just said about the contribution that Indians have made in the US economy, over USD 20 billion."

"We want that number to continue to increase," he said.

The US Secretary of State also said Washington was reviewing its immigration framework. 

"The United States is currently undergoing a process of reforming the system by which we choose how many people come into our country, who comes in, when they come in, etc.," Rubio said.

Responding to questions on recent changes affecting J1, F1 and H-1B visas, Rubio said the overhaul of the US immigration system was a global exercise and not aimed specifically at India.

"The changes that are happening now, or the modernisation of our migration system into the United States, are not India-specific. It is global, it's being applied across the world," he said.

Rubio said Washington was reforming its immigration system following what he described as a migration crisis in recent years, with more than 20 million people entering the country illegally.

"Everything that you do as a country needs to be in your national interest, and that includes your immigration policy," Rubio said.

"It is not a system that is targeted at India," Rubio said. "We think ultimately our destination is going to be a better system."

Meanwhile, US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor reiterated Washington’s commitment to strengthening ties with New Delhi in a post on X.

"Secretary Rubio's message is clear. Our relationship with India matters. Our strategic partnership with India is real. We have incredible potential ahead," Gor said.

Analysts are keeping fingers crossed. Just as Pakistan-mediated peace talks have not yielded much positive outcome to end Iran war; Washington is perhaps trying to woo New Delhi.  The Modi Govt is moving cautiously as there have been indications in 2025 that President Donald Trump could not be trusted and was more of an unpredictable character in the diplomacy.  

But it is also true Trump had maintained 'skepticism' toward Pakistan during his first term between 2016 and early 2021.

During that period; Trump had publicly blasted the Islamabad for having given the United States “nothing but lies & deceit.”  

During his address to the media, Dr Jaishankar mentioned the recent renewal of the 10-year Major Defence Partnership Framework Agreement. 

He also noted that a comprehensive underwater domain awareness roadmap was also signed.

“We discussed the importance of taking into account the Make in India approach and the lessons drawn from recent conflicts while going forward, in the defence domain. On the economic front, we spoke about the value of concluding at an early date, the final text of the interim agreement regarding reciprocal and mutually beneficial trade,”  Dr Jaishankar said. 

ends 

Suvendu Govt orders ‘holding centres’ for illegal ‘foreigners’ in West Bengal ::: In therun up to Deportation drive

West Bengal govt orders ‘holding centres’ for illegal ‘foreigners’ ahead of deportation drive  

The state government has ordered all district administrations to set up ‘holding centres’ for apprehended foreigners and foreign prisoners awaiting deportation or repatriation.

In a letter issued on Saturday, by the Home and Hill affairs department to district magistrates, officials were asked to initiate the process in line with Union home ministry guidelines concerning the deportation of “Bangladeshi/Rohingyas apprehended for staying illegally in this country”.

Chief minister Suvendu Adhikari had said on Wednesday that the state government would implement Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) laws relating to illegal immigration and infiltration under the policy of 'detect, delete, deport'. 

“It is requested to take initiative/appropriate action for setting up of Holding Centres in the district for apprehended foreigners as well as for the released foreign prisoners awaiting deportation/repatriation in accordance with the MHA guideline under reference.," the order said.  “The Indian government had sent an order on May 14, 2025, asking the Bengal government to identify Bangladeshi immigrants and hand them over to the BSF for deportation. But the previous government did not act,” Suvendu said at Nabanna on Wednesday.

An official said the move was aimed at streamlining the process of detention and repatriation in accordance with guidelines from New Delhi. 

The districts have been asked to create the required infrastructure so that foreigners awaiting deportation can be housed in a regulated manner till the legal formalities are completed. The order is procedural in nature and meant to ensure that district administrations remain prepared to handle such cases as per prescribed norms. According to state government, individuals eligible under the CAA who entered the state before December 31, 2024, could be granted legal citizenship status.

Non-Muslim immigrants — Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis and Christians — can apply for citizenship under the CAA if they have arrived from Bangladesh, Pakistan or Afghanistan before December 31, 2024.

Betray and Dhoka !! Thy name is Congress party --- who says so ?? DMK a 'so-called friend' of 20 years ::: ".... Never trust the Congress again" ::::: "People of Tamil Nadu will soon teach a lesson to Congress"

 In a blistering attack that solidifies a major fracture in Tamil Nadu’s political landscape, DMK Youth Wing chief Udhayanidhi Stalin has exhorted his party cadre to "never trust the Congress again", 

...... accusing the former ally of "stabbing the DMK in the back" after reaping electoral benefits.

"For over 20 years, the Congress party rode on our backs. 

Today, they have stabbed us in the back. No one should ever forget this. 

We must never trust the Congress at any point in the future, nor should we ever let them come near us again," Udhayanidhi said.

Addressing a DMK Youth Wing meeting here on Saturday, Udhayanidhi launched an unsparing tirade against the grand old party, pinning the blame for the BJP's consecutive national victories squarely on the Congress rather than the saffron party's top leadership.

The Congress that won five seats in the April 23 Assembly polls as part of the DMK-led Secular Progressive Alliance, switched sides immediately after the results and extended support to Vijay-led TVK, which emerged as the single largest party lacking a majority to form the government. 

The Leader of Opposition remarked that he previously believed Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah were the primary drivers behind the BJP's continuous electoral successes. "But that is not the case. The main reason for the BJP's victories is the Congress party. That is clearly evident now," he asserted.

Lamenting the DMK's absolute dedication to the alliance in past general and Assembly elections, Udhayanidhi highlighted how DMK workers spilled "blood and sweat" to ensure the victory of Congress candidates, primarily to safeguard secularism and keep the BJP out of Tamil Nadu.

"Even in this election, a virtually non-existent Congress managed to win five seats solely because of our leader’s instructions and the tireless work of DMK cadres. 

But immediately after winning, they ran away for the sake of power, without even a courtesy intimation," he alleged, adding that the Congress lacked basic gratitude and political civility.

He expressed confidence that even if the DMK did not teach them a lesson, the people of Tamil Nadu would soon do so.

Shifting focus to internal party strategy following recent electoral setbacks, the DMK leader urged a thorough course-correction rather than playing a blame game. He specifically pointed out gaps in the party's social media strategy and a failure to politically engage voters at the household level.

"We campaigned outside, but I suspect we failed to campaign within our own homes. 

Before you go out to politicise strangers, talk politics with your family members and children in a language they understand," he told the youth wing members, emphasising the need to actively 

....  counter the ruling dispensation's "online mafia" and "fake narratives" through data-driven content creation.

ends 

Can Kolkata turn into 'new Hyderabad' ?? A 'pensioner city' Bengaluru transformed in a big ... and so why not "Calcutta" too ???

 The BJP has managed a convincing mandate to govern, reform West Bengal state and reshape the city of Kolkata. 

It has the appetite to do it. 

There are issues and challenges. By nature Bengalis and the city of Kolkata as a metropolis are used to talking more about AFFORDABILITY. 

Of course, there are serious matters. Navi Mumbai in the west and Noida in the north are no longer 'affordable' hubs. The cost of living is going up in places like Pune and Chennai too. So, firstly, the challenge will be to 'improve the affordability' graph by creating good and stable jobs and also have the same in 'increased numbers'.  

Kolkata’s real estate market is currently experiencing a stabilized growth and supply phase, following a major boom in luxury and mid-segment housing. 

While overall housing sales hover at roughly 16,000–17,000 units annually, demand remains driven by improved metro connectivity and new infrastructure development across peripheral areas.  

New Town (Rajarhat-New Town) is a planned Satellite city of Kolkata. 

It is administered by NKDA (New Town Kolkata Development Authority). 

New Town was sometime back declared as a "Solar City" and "Smart Green City" by Government of India. 

Why and how affordability has to go up ? Take this example; I know of youths drawing salary of around Rs 40,000 in Kolkata in IT sector and the same guy gets a huge leap to around Rs 75,000 when he gets a job or even normal transfer to Bengaluru. The cycle of economy will have to be understood.  

But just because the chief minister or a ruling party has changed; the IT guys will not start getting higher salaries. For this to happen to start with, more IT companies such as the TCS or other big players will have to come.  

Now some basics:

Kolkata is the fourth largest 'city economy' with a GDP of 220 billion dollars. 

It has a population of one and a half  crore.  But the city 'sells' FEWER homes than every other major state capitals (especially top cities).

'Office demand' is much less. Perhaps; more than the Left or discredited Mamata regime; even people's day-today habits and conduct count. In other words; no investor will ask for 'readymade pangas' in their offices and their office working atmosphere. 

"kanoon baaji" is city's age old characteristic; and it is mainly misguided and encourages work culture. The menace has spread from West Bengal to other states in the north east - Tripura 

(good job is linked to homesickness. I am perfect and my child is perfect is a norm). 

Take Nagaland -- an working atmosphere is first judged by 'home posting'. Secondly; how many outsiders (plain manu) have the jobs etc etc. 

Of course, things have improved a lot in Assam and in Mizoram - locals do not mind working hard. Pragmatic Mizos - as they are well known.   

Here is another data and it reveals a lot. In 2025; there was overall increase in demand for 'office leasing' in major Indian cities. Kolkata was among the place which witnessed 'decline'. In 2005, Kolkata sold only 16,000 homes. 

Kolkata's share of total office leasing in 2025 stood at an alarmingly low 2 per cent. 

It leased just 1.15 million square feet. 

Bengaluru had 14 million square feet of total 55 million square feet demand across India. 

Hyderabad and Pune recorded 8 million sq feet.

Kolkata and those interested in the city must have to appreciate - no office leasing means NO JOB. And this also means no Housing demands.  

Now, the moves of Suvendu Govt. The Urban Land Ceiling Act must go.  

The Urban Land (Ceiling and Regulation) Act, 1976 remains in effect in West Bengal. While most Indian states have repealed it, West Bengal strictly enforces the law in urban agglomerations like Kolkata, Asansol, and Durgapur. 

It caps vacant urban land holdings at roughly 500 square meters (7.5 Kathas) per person or entity. 

However, Land primarily used for agricultural purposes is excluded. Exemptions can also be granted by the state for public interests or industrial development.

Excess Land: Any vacant land exceeding the 500 sq. meter ceiling must be declared and can be acquired and vested by the State Government.  

The Act has been widely criticized by real estate developers, industry bodies (like CREDAI), and policymakers for hindering real estate aggregation, causing project delays, and limiting investment. 

Whether Suvendu can now ensure ---- privatisation of Kolkata airport ? The city and the state will be also looking for - IT corridors, integrated townships etc. 

The BJP has promised a 10-year master plan.  

No less than, Union Home Minister Amit Shah introduced this 10-year action plan as part of a comprehensive Greater Kolkata vision ahead of  elections. 

The blueprint targets key urban bottlenecks, including:

Decongestion and improved sewage management

Combating land encroachment and illegal construction

Tourism promotion to elevate the city's global profile

The BJP Sankalp Patra is expected to act as a roadmap for development and empowerment, adding that it reflects the party's vision for a “Sonar Bangla”.

ends 

Samik Bhattacharya came, saw and conquered West Bengal "along with Suvendu Addhikari" and others :::: "Best teamwork comes from men who are working independently towards one goal"

Winning elections is always important for a political party. But good tuning is something highly essential between key players in the winning team. Under Narendra Modi-Amit Shah duo; the ego hassle is strongly curbed and rebuked. Yet in West Bengal BJP; the intra-party conflicts were "deeper" for quite sometime. 

Apparently, this was defused before elections or  have been postponed for some other day.  

In this context, talking about good equations between Suvendu Adhikari, the chief minister, and Samik Bhattacharya, the state unit president, is vital.  

So far, so good. The best teamwork comes from men who are working independently toward one goal in unison.

Opening batsman - a good striker of balls : CM Suvendu 

One section of Kolkata media has already called Samik - "Mr Catalyst". The bigger message is in the sub-title --  

How Samik Bhattacharya became the architect of BJP’s Bengal breakthrough

In political journalism, one has often used a phrase 'the king maker'. Samik may not be individually so much 'responsible' for crowning Suvendu; but he is definitely part of the bigger team where Amit Shah has been at the helm. Under two of Samik's predecessors - Dilip Ghosh and Sukanta Majumdar; ... 

the fractures within the 'party with a difference' remained and deepened.

"Main hoon Amit Shah" : So he had told Mamata in 2014 

How Samik plays his game ? He goes by the rulebook and at times; does that extra mile running !!

Party insiders say - he was always a team man and a disciplined soldier. He might have high ambitions but he was not a gatecrasher and waited for his chance to come and bloom. In July 2025 he was appointed party's West Bengal chief. I have been to north Bengal in June 2025 and even then the talk was on who would be next BJP president. 

Among the old timers in the party; the idea of giving the post to Dilip Ghosh and Suvendu Adhikari did not yield so much of excitement. After all, Suvendu was still seen as an 'outsider' and Dilip Ghosh - though a strong fighter; he lacked the calmness of a team man.  

BJP leader Raju Banerjee has summed it up well: “At a programme organised at Calcutta’s National Library on Vajpayeeji’s birth anniversary (Dec 25, 2025) Samikda reached out to the old guard and said, ‘We all belong to the same Parivar, so let’s do this together’.” He met disgruntled elements personally and invited all to work together. He had Amit Shah's -- both -- directions and blessings. 

All that helped a lot. 

Humble: The Captain who 'performs' 

BJP Rajya Sabha MP Samik Bhattacharya was selected for all-party delegation on Operation Sindoor. In Berlin and in London, reportedly Samik Bhattacharya had made very impressive speeches on Operation Sindoor.   

"There was no Pakistan (prior to 1947) ever in this world... It was our fault. Hum log shanti ke path pe chaley ... Pakistan ban gaya (Pakistan was born because we choose the path of peace and non violence)," he said in London.  

During my north Bengal visit to Cooch Behar and Siliguri, I could gauge that people had strong preference for him as the state unit president. Another argument was - he was accessible to all.  

Now comes - post government formation. Well, some men and women 'titles' believing that they define power. Look at the craze for Nobel prize by Donald Trump. Some bluster bravely seeing their snaps in front pages of newspapers. Look at the craze how Mamata Banerjee is missing all that. 

But there are others who would pick up phone and dial a 'king' or the prime minister or the chief minister. He may command attention and dole out advice. That's also power. And Samik Bhattacharya as of now suits that cap. 

For old timers, veteran Marxist Harkishen Singh Surjeet did that for long.  

Lean back. We are not suggesting Samik is the new Surjeet. Such comparison will end his role and job. 

 

Blogger near Bangladesh border : 2025 

At the Calcutta Club The Telegraph National Debate earlier this year, Samik Bhattacharya speak for the motion — 'Status quo has been the unmaking of Bengal'. 

He took the podium and delivered a good old fashioned speech, an impassioned bhadralok’s argument. 

The impact of it and his political stature was not lost on the audience or the moderator. 

Over to Suvendu-Samik combo. Once upon a time in the context of Congress party, people called for 'husband-wife' bond between pradesh Congress chiefs and chief ministers. 

Well, in the new world; even marriages are short-lived.   

BJP Govt in West Bengal ends two-day Eid-Ud-Zoha leave, declares May 28 sole public holiday :::: Appeasement gone; BJP in !!

 BJP Govt on West Bengal ends two-day Eid-Ud-Zoha leave, declares May 28 sole public holiday  

In a fresh notification issued by the Finance Department, the state government said the holidays declared for May 26 and 27 stood cancelled after information was received that Id-Ud-Zoha would be observed on May 28 this year

Observed on the 10th day after the sighting of the moon, Eid-Ud-Zoha or Eid-ul-Adha is a major Islamic festival commonly known as Bakrid.

The new notification from the West Bengal government's finance department said, "Information has been received that Id-Ud-Zoha (Bakrid) will be observed on May 28, 2026 (Thursday)." It further said the governor "is pleased to declare May 28, 2026, (Thursday) as a public holiday under Section 25 of the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881, on account of Id-Ud-Zoha (Bakrid)." 

The order clarified that May 26 and 27 would now be treated as normal working days for all government offices and establishments covered under the notification.   

The decision comes amid the new government's broader push to tighten administrative discipline and restore what it describes as "work culture" in state government offices following the change of guard in the state.

A senior state government official said the administration wanted to prioritise public service delivery and reduce disruptions caused by prolonged holidays.

"The government's message is that official work and public services should not suffer because of an excessive holiday culture. There is a clear emphasis on productivity and accountability in offices," the official said.

Incidentally, soon after assuming office, the Suvendu Adhikari-led government had introduced stricter attendance norms for employees in state government offices. Staff members were directed to report by 10.15 am and remain in the office till at least 5.15 pm, effectively mandating a seven-hour workday.

The bureaucrat said the curtailment of the Bakrid holidays was in line with the administration's efforts to improve efficiency and ensure quicker disposal of public work.

Again, on Thursday, the Calcutta High Court reserved its verdict on multiple petitions opposing a West Bengal government order that placed restrictions on animal slaughter ahead of Eid al-Adha.

The petitioners have sought relief under the West Bengal Animal Slaughter Control Act, arguing that exemptions should be allowed to carry out religious practices associated with the festival.

The petitions contest a May 13 order issued by the West Bengal government, which requires a “fit certificate” prior to the slaughter of bulls, bullocks, cows, calves, and both male and female buffaloes. 

The order also stated that slaughter of animals was only permitted if they were above the age of 14 or those permanently incapacitated due to injury, deformity, old age or incurable disease.

“We will not waste taxpayers’ money by keeping infiltrators in detention centres. Once identified, they will be deported,” said West Bengal CM Suvendu Ashikari in Delhi.

He underlining his government’s “detect, delete, deport” policy in as many words after meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi, President Droupadi Murmu, Vice-President C.P. Radhakrishnan and several senior BJP leaders.

This was his first official visit to the national capital after taking charge. He also met Home Minister Amit Shah and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. 

The Cabinet expansion of his newly installed  ministry will also take place soon. All eyes are on the chief minister about his choice of the new Finance Minister. 

Suvendu later said Prime Minister Narendra Modi had assured him of full central support to pull Bengal out of “years of stagnation”.

In a post on X after the meeting, the chief minister described his interaction with Modi as “fruitful” and said the Prime Minister had made it clear that the development of Bengal remained a priority for the Centre. “I am incredibly thankful to him for assuring all possible help, guidance and Central support to rescue West Bengal from years of stagnation and place it firmly on the fast track of economic growth, industrial revival and youth empowerment,” Suvendu wrote.

Suvendu also said the state was ready to usher in “a new era of double-engine growth, transparent governance and holistic development” with the Centre’s support and the people’s mandate.

ends 

After 113 Years Of Power, Privilege :::: Eviction Notice For Delhi Gymkhana Club ::::: It has been more than just a sports or recreation club. Its membership defined people's status in the Delhi high society !!

 The Central Govt said that the Delhi Gymkhana Club 'land' --- adjacent to the Prime Minister’s official residence, was “critically required for strengthening and securing of defence infrastructure and other vital public security purposes”.

The Union Ministry of Housing has written a letter to the club’s secretary.

Its membership defined people's status in the Delhi high society !

With around 1,200 members, getting into the coveted circle has historically been extraordinarily difficult. The waiting period to get a membership has stretched 20 to 30 years. 

The move comes against the backdrop of a broader political shift since Modi first took office in 2014, positioning himself as a challenger to India’s traditional elites, including those associated with the opposition Congress party led by the Nehru-Gandhi dynasty.

Analysts say the prominence of spaces such as the Delhi Gymkhana Club have been eroded under Modi’s populist politics. The Hindu-nationalist leader has sought to eliminate remnants of India’s colonial past by reshaping several key British-era relics with his own mega projects.

The club, which includes buildings close to 100 years old, remains one of the most sought after memberships in the capital, with long waiting lists and a reputation as a hub of influence.

However, it has also been dogged by internal disputes and allegations of financial mismanagement in recent years. Figures linked to Modi’s ruling Bharatiya Janata party have repeatedly accused its leadership of factionalism and poor governance.  

Delhi Gymkhana Club asked to vacate the land and hand over premises by June 5

The Land and Development Office’s order stated that the 'land' is essential to fulfil urgent institutional needs, governance infrastructure and public interest project. 

The Govt move underscores the long-running push of the prime minister, Narendra Modi, against entrenched elite institutions.

Founded under British colonial rule in 1913 as the Imperial Delhi Gymkhana Club, the institution has long been synonymous with the rich and famous.

Once restricted to colonial elites under discriminatory entry rules that barred Indians, it later evolved into a powerful networking hub for politicians, senior bureaucrats, judges and business figures after independence in 1947

"Pickled in Rum...

sinful, ginful, rum-soaked (women &) men,

Survive for three score years and ten,
And some of them, though very few,
Stay pickled till they're 92!"

Renowned author and life-time member Khushwant Singh's humourous and satirical take on the patrons of the Delhi Gymkhana Club at the ripe age of 92.

Spread across nearly 27 acres on Safdarjung Road, the club building was designed by famed British architect Robert Tor Russell - who also designed Connaught Place and Teen Murti House.

The club boasts 26 grass tennis courts, which is the most in any club in the country. It has seven clay courts, three squash courts, badminton courts, a billiards room and a covered swimming pool. There are three lounge bars and 43 resident cottages.

High-ranking bureaucrats, military chiefs, diplomats, judges, politicians, industrialists and old business families made up much of its membership making it synonymous with India's ruling establishment. Its membership carries equal prestige as a high office. 

Just about a 100 memberships are opened every year to fill up for deaths and resignations.