Revanth Reddy calls denial of US visit ‘insult’ to 4 Cr Telangana people
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Hyderabad: Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy on Monday termed the Centre's denial of permission for his proposed visit to the United States an “insult” to the four crore people of Telangana, accusing the Modi government of “political discrimination” and obstructing investment and development in the state.
Addressing a press conference after returning from the United Kingdom, Revanth Reddy strongly criticised the Centre for refusing clearance for his US visit, calling the decision “dictatorial” and saying it undermined the spirit of federalism.
The Chief Minister, who was scheduled to travel to the US from the UK on August 23 for a week-long visit, said the reason for the denial was clear from the Ministry of External Affairs' communication, which stated that political clearance had been denied.
“The political angle is that Prime Minister Narendra Modi belongs to the BJP and comes from Gujarat while I belong to the Congress party and I am from Telangana,” he said.
Citing official correspondence from the Chief Minister's Office to the Ministry of External Affairs seeking permission for his UK and US visits, Revanth Reddy said the purpose of the trip had been clearly outlined.
He said the delegation planned to seek collaboration with prestigious global universities and sports academies, invite investments and hold meetings with investors and strategic partners in both countries.
Revanth Reddy said his government was seeking to develop Telangana as a premier sports and education hub, while the delegation also planned to invite investors to the 'Telangana Rising Global Summit 2.0', scheduled to be held in Hyderabad in December.
He said the proposed visit was part of efforts to achieve the objectives of Telangana Rising-2047, formulated in line with the Government of India's Viksit Bharat vision.
The Chief Minister questioned why the Centre had denied permission for the US leg of his trip when the purpose of his visits to both the UK and US was the same.
Revanth Reddy alleged that the decision was linked to Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel's visit to the US to attract investments for the Vibrant Gujarat 2047 initiative.
“The Gujarat Chief Minister was granted permission to visit the US and Canada from August 17 to 24. Permission was granted to him for investment-related visits under the 'Vibrant Gujarat' initiative. However, I was blocked when I sought to visit the US as part of the 'Telangana Rising 2047' initiative,” he said.
He alleged that Prime Minister Modi considered himself an ambassador of Gujarat and did not want to see the growth of other states. Revanth Reddy claimed that the Centre was apprehensive that his visit could help Telangana attract more investments.
The Chief Minister said the denial of permission was not an insult to him personally but to the four crore people of Telangana.
“You can stop me but not my goal for the development of Telangana,” he said.
Revanth Reddy said the Congress would not tolerate the alleged political discrimination and would raise the issue in both Houses of Parliament.
Asked about reports that his proposed meeting with New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani could have been a reason for the denial, Revanth Reddy questioned whether Mamdani was an anti-social element.
“He has been elected as mayor by the people of New York,” he said.
The Chief Minister also questioned the Prime Minister's previous visit to Pakistan, referring to his meeting there and having “biryani” with his friends.
“PM Modi can go to Pakistan, which is not a friendly country, but we can't go to the US,” he remarked.
Revanth Reddy also criticised BJP leaders from Telangana for making political allegations against him over the issue. Reminding the BJP that Telangana had elected eight of its MPs, he urged them to speak up for the interests of the state.
With IANS inputs
