Minister Priyank Kharge writes to EAM Jaishankar on denial of clearance for US visit

BENGALURU: Minister for Electronics, Information Technology and Biotechnology, Priyank Kharge, on Friday wrote to External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar seeking clarification over not getting clearance for his visit to the United States. He was scheduled to attend multiple events in the US.

Sharing a copy of the letter on X, Priyank Kharge stated that the visit aimed to strengthen collaborations, attract investments, and create employment in the state.

“I have written to the Minister of External Affairs, Sri. Jaishankar, seeking clarity on why political clearance for my official visit to the United States was denied. I do so with a deep sense of responsibility to the people of Karnataka, to whom I am duty-bound. The visit was aimed at strengthening collaborations, attracting investments and creating employment opportunities for the state”, he said.

I have written to the Minister of External Affairs, Sri. Jaishankar, seeking clarity on why political clearance for my official visit to the United States was denied. I do so with a deep sense of responsibility to the people of Karnataka, to whom I am duty-bound. The visit was… pic.twitter.com/RkBAsg45Zo

— Priyank Kharge / ಪ್ರಿಯಾಂಕ್ ಖರ್ಗೆ (@PriyankKharge) June 20, 2025

He said that denying a Cabinet Minister the ability to carry out his responsibilities raises serious concerns and called it undermining federalism.

“Denying a Cabinet Minister and the custodian of one of the world’s largest technology clusters, the ability to carry out such official responsibilities without explanation, raises serious concerns. It is not only against the interests of the state but also undermines the spirit of cooperative federalism. I hope the Ministry provides a clear written clarification at the earliest”, the minister said.

On Tuesday, Priyank Kharge said that he would seek an explanation from the central government over the denial of his US visit. He said he was holding back from making public statements and would enquire about the denial of his trip once he returned to Bengaluru.

#WATCH | Bengaluru: On denial of clearance for US visit, Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge says, “I am well within my right to seek answers from the Government of India on why they refused permission to a delegation led by me. I am not going as an individual, I an representing… pic.twitter.com/KD7ece7b3k

— ANI (@ANI) June 19, 2025

“I’m holding back on making any public statements for now. Once I’m back in Bengaluru, I will seek a clear explanation from the Government of India regarding this denial,” Kharge posted on X while responding to a section of media reporting on the issue. (ANI)