Permission denied by Centre for CM Revanth Reddy’s US visit

The Union government has denied political clearance for Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy’s proposed visit to the United States, according to reports on Friday.

Reddy’s office said the Ministry of External Affairs informed the Telangana government that clearance for the US leg of his foreign tour had been denied on political grounds. The decision was reportedly communicated after the “Telangana Rising” delegation had already reached the United Kingdom, Scroll.in reported.

The Congress leader began his 10-day overseas tour on Thursday and is currently in the UK. He is scheduled to return to Hyderabad on Sunday after completing the first leg of the visit. Reddy had planned to travel to Boston next to sign agreements with educational institutions.

Explaining the purpose of the proposed US visit, Reddy said it was aimed at bringing leading global educational institutions to Telangana and Hyderabad, in line with the objectives of the National Education Policy. He said issues concerning nation-building and the future of young people should be viewed beyond political and electoral considerations.

The Ministry of External Affairs said on Friday that proposed foreign visits by chief ministers and other dignitaries are examined before political clearance is granted. Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the programme must be appropriate to the office held and the purpose of the visit, adding that the proposed US itinerary did not meet these requirements.

The ministry, however, said that political clearance had been granted for Reddy’s visit to the United Kingdom.