‘Evaluating whether to travel to US’: Karnataka minister Priyank Kharge after MEA belatedly clears trip

Speaking to The Indian Express, Kharge said, “If I am able to arrange fresh meetings (with various companies), then it makes sense to go.”

“I will take a call tomorrow (Monday). I need to ensure that the trip is worthwhile,” he added, noting that the delegation that left without him under Karnataka State Electronics Development Corporation (KEONICS) chairman and MLA Sharath Bachegowda has had more than 30 meetings with various stakeholders already.

After the MEA denied him permission in the first week of June, Kharge had sought an explanation on the grounds on which he was not allowed to travel for a trip the Karnataka government had planned months in advance. On Saturday, Kharge had posted on X that the MEA had decided to revoke its earlier decision and grant clearance for an official visit to the US.

In the post, he said that the application for the official trip for the minister and officers’ delegation was made on May 15, but was rejected on June 4. “Application for Officers Delegation without Minister on 6 June – cleared on 11 June. Application for KEONICS Chairman only on 12 June – cleared on 14 June,” he added.

Contending that his application was denied without any official explanation, he said that “the MEA revoked its earlier denial and issued a No Objection clearance dated 19 June” after the media highlighted the issue prominently.