MEA revokes denial, grants Priyank Kharge clearance for US visit

United News of India

3 hours ago

Bengaluru, June 21 (UNI) In a sharp turn of events, Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge on Saturday said the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has revoked its earlier decision and granted him clearance for an official visit to the United States, five days after his scheduled departure and following public outcry.
Taking to social media platform X, Kharge wrote, 'So in a U-turn, the Ministry of External Affairs has now decided to revoke its earlier decision and grant me a clearance for an official visit to the United States.'
Kharge said he had applied for permission on May 15 to travel between June 14-27 to represent the Karnataka government at two major global forums and participate in over 25 official meetings with top companies, universities, and institutions to pitch for investments and explore collaborations.
The minister highlighted that his initial delegation request was rejected, while subsequent applications — first for officials and later for the KEONICS chairman — were approved, showing a selective clearance process over three separate submissions between May 15 and June 14.
Kharge said no official explanation was provided for the denial of his own application. On June 19, he held a press conference highlighting the chronology and alleging political interference. By the same evening, the MEA issued a fresh No Objection Clearance dated June 19, effectively reversing its earlier stance.
'36 days after my original application, 15 days after the denial, and five days after my scheduled departure, they 'revoke' their decision,' he noted, questioning the timing and intent behind the clearance.
He further asked, 'Why was the clearance denied in the first place? Was it revoked only after the matter became public? What is the point of a clearance after the key events are over?'
Criticising the Centre, Kharge said while the Union Government promotes slogans like 'Make in India', 'Digital India', and the 'India AI Mission', it is states like Karnataka that are driving real progress. He alleged that despite leading on innovation and job creation, Karnataka is being obstructed politically.
Referring to the Prime Minister's statement, MAGA + MIGA = MEGA', Kharge asked, 'What does that even mean in practice, when the very state driving India's tech and innovation engine is denied the support it needs to lead globally?'
Demanding accountability, Kharge concluded: 'These questions warrant an urgent response. Karnataka deserves answers.'
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