Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge criticised the Centre for denying political clearance to Telangana CM Revanth Reddy's US visit, calling it part of a 'disturbing pattern' of unfair treatment towards southern states favouring BJP-ruled states.

Kharge Slams Centre Over 'Disturbing Pattern'

Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge on Saturday criticised the Centre for denying political clearance to Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy for his official visit to the US, alleging that southern states were being treated unfairly.

Kharge said the visit was in the interest of Telangana and the country, adding that Reddy was scheduled to engage with universities and pursue institutional partnerships. He also alleged that the Centre was favouring Gujarat and other BJP-ruled states in matters related to investments and collaborations. His remarks came after Reddy was denied permission by the Centre for his proposed US visit.

In a post on X, Kharge wrote, "Denying Telangana Chief Minister @revanth_anumula garu political clearance for his official US visit is becoming part of a disturbing pattern in how the Centre treats southern states. His visit, much like mine last year, was in the state's interest and the larger national interest. He was to engage with universities and pursue institutional partnerships. The MEA's explanation that the programme was "not appropriate" is shameful. What exactly is inappropriate? Visiting leading universities and signing MoUs for your state? Then what is appropriate? Arm-twisting every investment, institution and collaboration towards Gujarat and other BJP-ruled states?"

Denying Telangana Chief Minister @revanth_anumula garu political clearance for his official US visit is becoming part of a disturbing pattern in how the Centre treats southern states. His visit, much like mine last year, was in the state’s interest and the larger national… pic.twitter.com/6SZQ5VKuWq — Priyank Kharge / ಪ್ರಿಯಾಂಕ್ ಖರ್ಗೆ (@PriyankKharge) August 22, 2026

Kharge Recalls Own US Visit Denial

Referring to his own US visit last year, Kharge claimed that his official delegation was denied clearance initially and was later approved after his name was removed from the itinerary. "Last year, my official US delegation was denied clearance, only for the same itinerary to be approved once my name was removed. What should one make of it? The Centre is merely paying lip service to cooperative federalism while treating southern states as second-in-line stakeholders. The Ministry of External Affairs haven't even replied to why I was denied permissions earlier. MoShah's agenda has always been clear: Viksit Gujarat, not Viksit Bharat," the post read.

MEA Clarifies Stance

Meanwhile, the Ministry of External Affairs had clarified that Reddy's visit was not considered appropriate "to the office held and the purpose of the visit", and therefore political clearance was not granted. (ANI)

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