Telangana BJP hits back at Congress over Revanth Reddy’s US visit clearance

The Telangana BJP defended the Centre’s decision to deny political clearance for Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy’s proposed US visit, rejecting allegations of political motive. BJP State president N Ramchander Rao said the decision was based on regulations and procedural norms.

Hyderabad: The State BJP on Friday hit back at the Telangana Congress over the Centre’s decision to deny political clearance for Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy‘s proposed US visit, saying there was no political motive behind it. BJP State president N Ramchander Rao asked the Congress to stop politicising the issue.

Speaking to the media, he said the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) had withheld political clearance for the Chief Minister’s US visit after considering the relevant factors. He maintained that there was no political intention behind the decision.

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Rao pointed out that the Union government had already granted permission to the Chief Minister’s delegation to hold meetings related to investments and agreements.

He said the MEA examines several factors when Chief Ministers or ministers plan foreign visits. These include the official necessity of the visit, the background of the inviting organisations, international protocol, diplomatic considerations, security arrangements and FCRA regulations.

“During the UPA government in 2012, the Centre rejected the foreign trips of then Assam Congress Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi and then Jharkhand BJP Chief Minister Arjun Munda,” Rao said.

He also recalled that Congress MPs and leaders had written letters seeking to prevent Narendra Modi, who was then Gujarat Chief Minister, from obtaining a US visa.

Rao warned the Congress against politicising the issue. He said the Centre had not created any hurdles when Revanth Reddy travelled abroad in the past. He maintained that the latest decision was taken strictly in accordance with regulations and procedural norms.