Why is Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge's US Visit Approval Delayed?

Bengaluru, June 21 (NationPress) In a bold move, Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge criticized the Ministry of External Affairs for its ‘delayed’ approval regarding his upcoming visit to the United States. He questioned the necessity of granting clearance at such a late stage, especially as significant events have already concluded or are approaching their end.

On Saturday, Kharge took to social media platform X to express his sentiments: “In a dramatic turn, the Ministry of External Affairs has finally opted to overturn its previous decision and grant me clearance for an official visit to the USA.”

“I initially requested permission on May 15 to travel from June 14-27 to represent Karnataka at two major international forums and engage in over 25 official meetings with leading companies, universities, and institutions to foster collaborations and secure investments,” the Minister remarked.

“To clarify the timeline: A request for a ministerial and officers’ delegation was submitted on May 15 but was rejected on June 4. A subsequent application for an officers’ delegation without me was made on June 6 and approved on June 11. Additionally, an application for the KEONICS Chairman was submitted on June 12, which was cleared on June 14. My application, however, was denied without any formal explanation,” Kharge noted.

“On June 19, I held a press conference detailing this timeline, questioning the rationale behind the denial, and raising alarms about potential political interference. The media heavily covered this issue,” he added.

Later that evening, the MEA rescinded its prior rejection and issued a ‘No Objection’ clearance dated June 19—thirty-six days post my initial application, fifteen days after the official denial, and five days before my planned departure. Kharge expressed his concerns, stating, “The timing prompts serious questions: Why was the initial clearance denied? Was the retraction of the previous order an attempt to evade accountability once the issue gained media attention? What value does the clearance hold now that the key events are either concluded or impending?”

Will the MEA now sidestep elucidating the original decision by merely pointing to the belated approval? While the Centre touts initiatives like “Make in India,” “Digital India,” “National Quantum Mission,” and “India AI Mission,” the genuine efforts to realize these goals are taking place in Karnataka. They articulate the vision, yet when we strive to attract investments, generate employment, and elevate India as a global leader, they obstruct our progress,” Kharge criticized.

He further stated, “The Prime Minister has mentioned that MAGA + MIGA = MEGA. However, what does that signify in practice when the very state propelling India’s tech and innovation sector is deprived of essential support to lead on the global stage?”

During his recent trip to the US, Prime Minister Narendra Modi redefined Viksit Bharat as Make India Great Again (MIGA)—a concept paralleling the US's Make America Great Again (MAGA), resulting in a ‘MEGA’ partnership for prosperity.

Kharge concluded by asserting that these inquiries demand immediate clarification. Karnataka is entitled to answers.

In a letter to External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Friday, he requested clarification regarding the denial of political clearance for his official visit to the US.

In the correspondence, he stated, “I am seeking formal clarification from the Ministry of External Affairs concerning the denial of political clearance for my scheduled official visit to the United States from June 14-27, 2025.”

“The visit was organized around two major international forums, the BIO International Convention in Boston and the Design Automation Conference (DAC) in San Francisco, alongside numerous official meetings with leading companies, universities, and institutions, where I was to represent the Government of Karnataka to foster collaborations, attract investments, and create job opportunities for the state,” he explained.

“The absence of formal communication from the Ministry outlining the reasons for denial complicates future engagement assessments. It also raises questions about the consistency of the process, particularly when the visits are official, sector-critical, and in the national interest,” Minister Kharge emphasized.