Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge questions MEA's 'U-turn' on US trip approval

Bengaluru: Karnataka Minister for Electronics, IT/BT and Rural Development, Priyank Kharge on Saturday criticised the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) for initially denying him clearance for an official visit to the US without explanation, only to reverse the decision later in what he described as a belated "U-turn".

Alleging that his application was initially denied without any official explanation, he sought to know why the clearance was refused in the first place and whether the reversal was made merely to avoid accountability after the issue became public.

"What is the point of granting clearance after the key events are either over or nearing completion?" Kharge questioned in a post on 'X'.

The Minister said he had sought permission on May 15 to travel between June 14-27 to represent the Karnataka government at two major global forums and attend over 25 official meetings with top companies, universities and institutions for collaborations and pitch for investments.

Listing out the chronology, he said, "Application for Minister + Officers Delegation made on 15 May — rejected on 4 June. Application for Officers Delegation without Minister on 6 June — cleared on 11 June. Application for Karnataka State Electronics Development Corporation Limited (KEONICS) Chairman only, on 12 June — cleared on 14 June."

Claiming that his application was denied without any official explanation, Kharge said, on June 19, he held a press meet, where he detailed the entire chronology, questioning the basis of the denial and raising concerns about possible political interference, which was widely reported in the media.

"By the evening of the same day, the MEA revoked its earlier denial and issued a No Objection clearance dated 19 June," he said.

"36 days after my original application,15 days after the official denial and 5 days after my scheduled departure, they 'revoke' their previous decision."

The Minister said the timing raised serious questions and asked, "Why was the clearance denied in the first place? Was the previous order revoked to avoid accountability after the matter became public? What is the point of granting clearance after the key events are either over or nearing completion? Will the MEA now avoid explaining the original decision by pointing to the belated approval?"

Kharge also slammed the Centre's stance, saying it promotes slogans like ‘Make in India’, ‘Digital India’ and ‘India AI Mission’, but blocks those working to realise these goals on the ground.

"They coin the vision, but when we do the work to bring investments, create jobs and position India as a global leader - they block us," he alleged.

Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi recent remark coining 'Make India Great Again' (MIGA) inspired by President Donald Trump’s motto 'Make America Great Again' (MAGA), Kharge asked, "But 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?"

"These questions warrant an urgent response. Karnataka deserves answers," he added.