'Because matter became public?': Priyank Kharge gets nod for US visit; says Centre took 'U-turn'

NEW DELHI: Karnataka minister Priyanka Kharge on Saturday said the Union government has taken a "U-turn" and granted him permission for an official visit to the United States.

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Kharge also highlighted that the ministry of external affair's (MEA) clearance came on Thursday, after his press conference that day in this regard.

"So in a U-turn, the Ministry of External Affairs has now decided to revoke its earlier decision and grant me a clearance for an official visit to the United States," the Karnataka IT minister wrote on X.

So in a U-turn, the Ministry of External Affairs has now decided to revoke its earlier decision and grant me a clearance for an official visit to the United States.

I had sought permission on 15 May to travel between 14–27 June to represent the Government of Karnataka at two…

— Priyank Kharge / ಪ್ರಿಯಾಂಕ್ ಖರ್ಗೆ (@PriyankKharge) June 21, 2025

The Congress leader, whose father is party chief Mallikarjun Kharge, stated that he had applied for the June 14-27 tour on May 15, and alleged that he was denied permission without any official explanation.

Also Read: Priyank Kharge was told he can’t travel to the US two weeks ago

The timing of the MEA NOC, he added, raised "serious questions" - why was the clearance denied in the first place, was the earlier order revoked only because the matter was made public, why should he travel to the US when key events pertaining to his programmes are already over or nearing completion, and would the MEA not explain its earlier denial because it has now granted permission for the visit.

"While the Centre gives us slogans like 'Make in India,' 'Digital India', 'National Quantum Mission' and 'India AI Mission,' the real work to realise these aspirations is happening here in Karnataka. 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," Kharge said.

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