Hyderabad, August 23 (Maxim News): Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy has alleged that political considerations led to the Centre denying permission for his US visit.
The Chief Minister made the remarks while speaking from London on Sunday. He said he would respond in detail on the issue after reaching Hyderabad.
Revanth Reddy had planned to travel to the United States after completing his UK programme. However, the Ministry of External Affairs denied political clearance for the US leg of his tour. The Centre said the proposed programme did not meet the required norms and was not appropriate for the stated purpose of the visit.
Following the decision, Revanth Reddy decided to return to Hyderabad from London instead of travelling to Boston. His return was scheduled for August 23.
The Telangana government had sought permission for both the UK and US legs of the tour. The Centre approved the UK visit but did not grant clearance for the US programme.
Revanth Reddy US Visit row triggers political debate
Revanth Reddy said his US programme focused on education, skills and attracting leading global institutions to Telangana. He said the state wanted to explore partnerships with top international universities and institutions.
The Chief Minister also said officials would continue with the planned US engagements despite his absence. According to his office, the delegation would pursue proposed agreements and partnerships with American institutions.
The issue has triggered a political debate between the Congress and the Centre. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge criticised the decision and described it as unfair. He also questioned the differing treatment of elected leaders seeking foreign travel clearance.
The Indian Overseas Congress also expressed dissatisfaction with the decision. Its Telangana chapter questioned why permission was denied to Revanth Reddy while Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel received clearance for a US visit.
Meanwhile, reports have highlighted planned political meetings during Revanth Reddy’s proposed US tour. These reportedly included meetings involving US Vice President JD Vance and New York political figure Zohran Mamdani.
The Centre, however, has not publicly confirmed that these proposed meetings alone led to the denial. The official explanation has focused on the nature of the programme and the required political clearance.
Revanth Reddy said he had completed all scheduled meetings and programmes in London. He thanked Congress leaders and members of the public who supported his proposed US visit.
He also expressed gratitude to Mallikarjun Kharge for his support. The Chief Minister said he would discuss the matter in Hyderabad after returning from London.
The controversy has added another point of friction between the Telangana government and the Centre. It has also raised questions about the process used for political clearance of official foreign visits by state chief ministers.
For now, the US leg of the Telangana Rising delegation will proceed without the Chief Minister. Officials will continue efforts to advance the proposed institutional partnerships and investment related engagements. (Maxim News)
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