Telangana CM decries denial of US visit clearance as insult to state

Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy on Monday described the Centre's refusal to grant political clearance for his proposed visit to the United States as an insult to Telangana, alleging that the decision reflected discrimination against the State.

Addressing a press conference in Hyderabad, Mr. Reddy said the State government had provided detailed information to the Centre about the purpose and objectives of the visit, which was part of the TelanganaRising 2047 initiative. “Information was provided to the Centre. The purpose of the visit and proposed meetings were clearly mentioned. If a Chief Minister's proposal is rejected without properly reviewing the information and collecting necessary details, can such a decision be taken without the knowledge of the Prime Minister?” he asked.

The Chief Minister explained that for official foreign visits, Indian missions abroad typically facilitate meetings for Chief Ministers and Union Ministers. He rejected suggestions that he had planned to meet critics of India in the US, asserting that it is the Indian missions that arrange such meetings.

Mr. Reddy also questioned the Centre's approach by citing the recent foreign visit of Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel. Mr. Patel undertook an eight-day trip to the US and Canada to promote the Vibrant Gujarat 2047 initiative and attract investments to his State. “If the Gujarat Chief Minister can travel to the US and Canada to promote Vibrant Gujarat 2047 and meet investors, why was the US visit of the Telangana Chief Minister denied when it was proposed for similar purposes under TelanganaRising 2047?” he asked.

Emphasising that Telangana should not be treated as a lesser State, Mr. Reddy asked: “Is Telangana being looked down upon? Is there discrimination against Telangana?” He alleged that attempts were being made to obstruct Telangana's development initiatives, especially its efforts to attract investments and establish partnerships with leading global educational and sports institutions.

The Chief Minister appealed to Bharatiya Janata Party leaders elected from Telangana to condemn the Centre's decision, saying the State's interests should be paramount. “This is not an insult to Revanth Reddy personally. It is an insult to the people of Telangana and the Telangana State government,” he said. He urged the media to bring the issue to the attention of the public.

Despite the denial of permission for his US visit, Mr. Reddy said the State government would continue with the TelanganaRising 2047 programme. He announced that the initiative would be held on December 7, 8 and 9, including an investment summit aimed at attracting investments and showcasing the State's opportunities to global investors.