BENGALURU, 21 JUNE

Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge on Saturday asked the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) to explain the "politics" behind initially denying and then approving his delegation's US visit and accused the Centre of denying Karnataka its right to seek investments from abroad.

Kharge asked why MEA allowed the trip after initially denying it.

He said Karnataka, Telangana, and Tamil Nadu are the states that drove 50 per cent of India’s GDP of the country and neglecting these states would not serve anyone. Many people from north Indian came to work in these states.

Kharge said on X that he had sought permission for his US travel to represent the State government between 14 and 27June  at two major global forums and hold 25 official meetings with top companies, universities and institutions for collaborations and pitch for investments.

The application was submitted on 15 May, which was rejected on 4 June. Another application for the officer delegation without the minister was submitted later, which was cleared on 11 June.