Priyank finally gets nod for U.S. visit; questions delay and U-turn

Karnataka’s Information Technology, Biotechnology, and Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Minister Priyank Kharge on Saturday said that in a U-turn, the Ministry of External Affairs has now decided to grant him clearance for an official visit to the United States. An application for the same was rejected earlier.

In a post on X, Mr. Kharge explained that he had sought permission on May 15 for his U.S. travel to represent the government between June 14 and 27 at two major global forums and hold 25 official meetings with top companies, universities, and institutions for collaborations and pitches for investments. It was denied, and he had written to the Ministry seeking a valid explanation for denying him permission to travel to the U.S. on a scheduled official trip.

On June 16, the clearance was finally granted, 36 days after his initial application and five days after his scheduled departure, he pointed out on X. Mr. Kharge questioned the delay, motives behind the initial rejection and the U-turn later.

“On 19 June, I addressed a press conference, laying out the full chronology, questioning the basis of the denial and raising concerns about possible political interference. The matter was widely reported in the media. By the evening of the same day, the MEA revoked its earlier denial and issued a No Objection clearance dated 19 June — 36 days after my original application, 15 days after the official denial and 5 days after my scheduled departure. The timing raises serious questions,” he said.

Mr. Kharge said there was little point in granting clearance after the key events he was to attend are either over or nearing completion.