Why first deny, then allow?: Priyank Kharge asks MEA to explain politics behind its US trip approval

ANI June 21, 2025 312 views

Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge demands answers from the MEA after his US investment-seeking trip faced unexplained delays. He argues southern states like Karnataka drive half of India's GDP but face hurdles in global outreach. Kharge highlights how Bengaluru attracts workers from northern states while reverse migration rarely happens. The minister suggests political motives behind the Centre's initial rejection of his delegation's travel plans.

"Why did they deny the delegation led by me, and why are they allowing it now?" – Priyank Kharge
Bengaluru, June 21: Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge on Saturday asked the MEA to explain the "politics" behind initially denying and then approving his delegation's US visit and accused the Centre of denying Karnataka its right to seek investments from abroad.

Key Points

1

Kharge accuses MEA of political interference in US trip delay

2

Karnataka, Telangana, Tamil Nadu drive 50% of India's GDP

3

Claims investment-seeking delegations face bias from Centre

4

Highlights Bengaluru's job creation for northern migrants

"This question should be asked of the MEA. Why did they deny the delegation led by me, and why are they allowing it now? What was wrong then and what is right now?" Priyank Kharge told ANI.

"We were supposed to be there on 13th June, and it is already 21st. Do you think World Expos and World Trade exhibitions will wait for us? No... The politics being played is also to be explained by the MEA," he added.

He said Karnataka, Telangana, and Tamil Nadu are the states that drive 50% of the GDP of the country and neglecting those states has no use to anybody.

"We are one of the biggest economic growth engines for the country...If we don't get to go abroad and seek investments...It is always Karnataka, Telangana, and Tamil Nadu - we are the ones driving 50% of the country's GDP. Have you seen Uttar Pradesh's CM going abroad and getting investments? Have you seen the MP CM or the Bihar CM going and getting investments? It is always Karnataka, Telangana, and Tamil Nadu. We are the ones driving 50 per cent of the country's GDP," he said.

"And you doing such things is of no use to anybody. We are the ones who are creating the jobs. Have a look around Bengaluru and Karnataka, how many people from the North are coming here and working...Do you know anybody from Karnataka who is working in UP, Bihar, and Madhya Pradesh?" he added.

In his detailed 'X' post, the Karnataka Minister highlighted that he sought permission for his US travel to represent the Karnataka government between June 14 and 27 on May 15 at two major global forums and hold 25 official meetings with top companies, universities and institutions for collaborations and pitch for investments.

He explained that the application for the minister and his delegation was submitted on May 15, which was later rejected on June 4. Kharge added that an application for the officer delegation without the minister was submitted on June 6, and it got clearance on June 11.

The Karnataka Minister said that he addressed a press conference on the matter on June 19, explaining the chronology and raising concerns about the possible political interference.

Reader Comments

Here are 6 diverse Indian perspective comments for the article:
R
Rahul K.
While I support states attracting foreign investments, the minister's comments about North vs South are unnecessary. India grows together! The delay in approval might be bureaucratic rather than political. MEA should clarify though.
P
Priya M.
As a Bangalorean, I'm proud of our contribution to India's economy 💪 But ministers should focus on solving our local infrastructure problems first - terrible traffic, water crisis! Foreign trips can wait.
S
Sanjay T.
The minister has a valid point about investment opportunities being time-sensitive. If Karnataka generates so much revenue, why create hurdles in their development plans? This looks like pure politics from Delhi.
A
Ananya R.
Comparing states is not the solution. Every Indian state has potential! Maybe the MEA has valid security/visa concerns we don't know about. The minister should have private discussions rather than public accusations.
V
Vikram S.
The real issue is transparency in foreign trips by politicians. How many such trips actually bring investments? Taxpayers deserve to see cost-benefit analysis before approving any foreign visits.
N
Neha P.
Whether it's Karnataka or UP, all states should get equal opportunities. But ministers must remember - foreign investors care more about ease of doing business than political tours. Fix local issues first!

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