Is the Centre Undermining Karnataka’s Achievements? Minister Priyank Kharge Questions US Visit Denial

Bengaluru, June 19 (NationPress) State Minister for RDPR, IT, and BT Priyank Kharge expressed concerns on Thursday that the Central government is trying to undermine the achievements of Karnataka.

This remark came after the Central government denied him permission to travel to the United States.

Upon his return from a visit to Paris, Priyank Kharge told reporters at the Bengaluru International Airport, "It appears they are attempting to hinder Karnataka's progress."

"While it’s understandable to reject the permission, there should be justifiable reasons for this decision. If valid reasons are given, it would be acceptable. However, the outright denial of my US visit is unjust," he added.

He emphasized, "Karnataka is a hub for electronics manufacturing. In the past year, we have successfully attracted investments across various sectors. While the Central government speaks of 'Viksit Bharat' and 'Amrit Bharat', the growth of India starts with the progress of Karnataka," Kharge insisted.

“Our trip to the US was not for leisure activities. I plan to meet with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to deliberate on this issue. Following our discussion, we will update the media,” he remarked.

“Our international visits aim at creating job opportunities. It is also our duty to facilitate investment influx into the state. A thriving Karnataka means a thriving nation as well; it serves as a pivotal force in the Indian economy,” Kharge stated.

He criticized the Central government for blocking his US visit, recalling that during his previous trip to the US with Minister M.B. Patil, they sealed agreements worth between Rs 35,000 and Rs 40,000 crore during the Invest Karnataka event.

Kharge noted that Karnataka recently greenlit semiconductor and electronics manufacturing initiatives, including a significant Rs 20,000 crore project. “Karnataka has transformed into an electronics and aerospace center, and with this background, it stands a chance to lead in the startup ecosystem. All this advancement occurred within the last year, so the rationale behind the Central government's denial of my US visit remains unclear,” he said.

“The Central government must furnish valid reasons for the denial of my US trip. Initially, the entire delegation faced rejection. Subsequently, the delegation was approved, yet I was still denied,” Kharge remarked.

Minister Priyank Kharge was barred from making an official trip to the US to attend the Bio International Convention in Boston and the Design Automation Conference (DAC) in San Francisco.