Centre’s denial of permission for US travel insult to Telangana: CM Revanth Reddy

Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy of Telangana expressed outrage over the Central government's denial of clearance for his proposed visit to the United States, alleging the decision was an insult to the Telangana State. He claimed that the Centre's refusal reflected discrimination against Telangana and an attempt to hinder its investments in favour of Gujarat.

Reddy stated that the State government had provided comprehensive information about the purpose and objectives of his visit, which were clearly mentioned in the proposal. He questioned the Centre's decision, asking whether such a decision could be made without the Prime Minister's knowledge, addressing this at a press conference in Hyderabad on Monday.

Reddy refuted rumors of a scheduled meeting with New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani, but playfully noted that Mamdani is an elected official. He also referenced PM Modi's unscheduled visit to Pakistan in 2015, questioning whom Modi took permission from for that visit. Reddy highlighted that Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel recently completed an eight-day trip to the U.S. and Canada for the Vibrant Gujarat 2047 initiative, demonstrating that similar foreign visits are possible for other states.

The Chief Minister emphasized that Telangana should not be treated as a lower-ranked State and questioned why its U.S. visit was denied while Patel's was allowed. Reddy appealed to State BJP leaders to condemn the Centre's decision, as they represent the State and the interests of Telangana should be prioritized. He urged the media to raise these concerns and assured that the State government would proceed with the Telangana Rising 2047 program despite the denied U.S. visit, announcing plans for an investment summit on December 7, 8, and 9.