‘Deeply unfair’: Kharge slams Centre over Revanth Reddy’s US tour cancellation

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge harshly criticized the Central government over the cancellation of Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy's proposed tour of the United States. Kharge argued that such visits are crucial for engaging with the Indian diaspora and exploring investment opportunities for their respective states.

He highlighted that many NRIs from Telangana and Andhra Pradesh reside in the US and could serve as potential investors in their home states. Kharge contended that visits like these can bring capital into states, generate jobs, and bolster the national economy. The Congress leader labeled the Centre's approach as "fundamentally wrong" and condemned the selective denial of travel permissions, stating that it is "deeply unfair."

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) denied Reddy's proposed US trip, citing that the submitted program was not deemed appropriate for his office and the purpose of his visit. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal clarified that the ministry reviews all such visits and assesses whether the proposed program aligns with the office held and the purpose of the visit.

Jaiswal emphasized that the clearance was denied due to the nature of the proposed program for the United States. However, he clarified that Reddy had received political clearance for his visit to the United Kingdom. Reddy is currently in London as part of an official TelanganaRising delegation, and it was scheduled for him to travel to the US after his UK engagements, returning to Hyderabad on August 30. Following the cancellation, Reddy will now return to Hyderabad on August 23 instead.