Priyank to seek MEA explanation for not clearing his US visit

IT-BT Minister Priyank Kharge on Thursday said he would write to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) seeking an explanation on denying him clearance to visit the United States of America (USA) on official business.

Priyank said that earlier this month the MEA had denied him clearance for an application that had his name along with that of officials to visit the US. Subsequently, he put up another application without his name, which was cleared.

Addressing a press meet in Bengaluru, the minister said he would request the chief minister to write to prime minister seeking the reason for denial.

“I have no problem with the Union government rejecting me, but I am just seeking an answer and reason from the MEA for rejection,” he said. 

Priyank accused the Union government of doing politics over the issue. “How will you become a ten trillion dollar economy by doing politics? Do you think we do politics during our visits? When Donald Trump is saying Make in India should not happen, I feel along with foreign policy, our investment policy has been outsourced to the US.”

“Karnataka is the biggest growth engine in the country. When we tried our best and get the investment, centre takes it to Gujarat and Assam and other BJP-ruled states. Karnataka has managed to get Rs 21,842 crore investment. What did Narendra Modi brought by making 38 foreign trips spending Rs 258 crore,?” he sought to know.