The controversy over Karnataka IT Minister Priyank Kharge being denied clearance to attend events in the United States has drawn a measured response from the BJP. Party spokesperson Prashanth GS said there is currently no clarity on the level at which the clearance was denied and urged patience until the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) provides an official explanation. While Priyank Kharge hinted at central government involvement, the BJP maintained it is too early to assign blame.
Confusion Over Denial of Clearance
Priyank Kharge’s own statement admits he is unsure about the exact reason for the denial. According to protocol, any official foreign trip by a minister—regardless of whether they hold a valid visa—must be cleared by the MEA. The BJP spokesperson said they are awaiting details to determine whether the denial came from the Indian government, the US, or some other administrative factor.
Priyank Kharge, who had already attended events in Paris, was scheduled to visit Boston and San Francisco as part of official delegations. However, he is now returning to India, reportedly disappointed and seeking a clear explanation. Other officials from the Karnataka government have already been granted permission and are on their way to the US for the same events.
Rahul Gandhi and Past Precedents
Responding to criticism that the federal government has previously blocked opposition leaders from travelling abroad for official work, Prashanth GS pointed out that opposition leaders were recently included in global delegations. He cited their participation in missions to countries like the US, UK, and South Korea following Operation Sindoor—India’s military response to the Pahalgam terror attack—as proof of the government’s openness.
He also referenced Congress MP Rahul Gandhi, saying the government has never denied him travel permission, even though “he defames India on foreign trips.” Prashanth suggested that if the government truly wanted to block opposition travel, Gandhi would be the first to face restrictions.
The spokesperson concluded by reiterating that the issue is not about political bias but about establishing the facts around the denial. Until the MEA clarifies, the BJP refuses to speculate on whether Priyank Kharge was unfairly denied or if it was a procedural matter.
