Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy has cancelled his scheduled visit to the United States after the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) denied political clearance for the trip. The Chief Minister had embarked on an official 10-day tour of the United Kingdom and the United States on August 20 to pitch the state as an investment hub and finalize industrial agreements. However, the central government withheld permission for the US leg of the tour. It cited diplomatic and political considerations.
Centre Withholds Political Clearance for US Tour
The Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) in Hyderabad confirmed on Friday that the central government formally rejected the request for official travel. In its communication, the Ministry of External Affairs stated that “clearance from the political angle is denied” for the Chief Minister’s proposed engagements in American cities.
Under standard diplomatic protocol, all Union Ministers, Chief Ministers, and state constitutional authorities must obtain prior political and administrative clearance from the central government before undertaking foreign visits.
Official ‘Telangana Rising’ Delegation to Proceed
Following the denial of clearance, Revanth Reddy directed the senior bureaucratic delegation to continue the official tour. Moreover, he asked them to fulfill all scheduled business meetings.
The official ‘Telangana Rising’ delegation, comprising senior industries department officials and advisors, will proceed to the United States to interact with global technology executives. They will also sign planned Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs).
Revanth Reddy, who is currently reviewing bilateral initiatives in London, will conclude his UK engagements. Subsequently, he will return to Hyderabad earlier than scheduled.
Political Flashpoint Between Congress and Centre
The denial of permission has triggered a sharp political confrontation between the ruling Congress party in Telangana and the BJP-led Central Government. State Congress leaders slammed the move as a partisan attempt to stall Telangana’s economic momentum and hinder direct foreign investments.
They argued that the visit aimed purely at generating employment opportunities and attracting global corporations to Hyderabad. Furthermore, they pointed out that blocking Chief Ministerial delegations undermines cooperative federalism.
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