Centre denies US travel for Telangana, says CM calls it insult

What Happened

Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy criticised the Ministry of External Affairs after it denied permission for his planned travel to the United States. He had intended to lead a Telangana Rising delegation to attract investments in education, sports, and related areas and to pursue MoUs with universities such as Harvard. He returned to Hyderabad on Monday following a three-day visit to the United Kingdom. Reddy said the central government’s denial reflected a preference for Gujarat and dismissed it as an insult to Telangana. He stated that the trip’s purpose and schedule had been shared with the MEA, and he questioned why permission was granted for the UK trip but not the US trip. He added that the denial was connected to his affiliation with the Congress party and to Telangana. He asserted the trip would have benefited disadvantaged communities by connecting them with educational and sports institutions.

Why It Matters

The CM frames the MEA decision as political discrimination against Telangana and as part of a broader pattern of perceived state favoritism, suggesting it could affect Telangana’s ability to attract investments and partnerships in education and sports.

Background

The government reportedly denied clearance for the US travel “from a political angle.” Reddy had been planning to engage with American institutions to attract MoUs and investment; he had earlier travelled to the UK on a three-day mission that preceded the denial. He contrasted the situation with Gujarat, noting its leadership was permitted to travel for other initiatives, implying unequal treatment across states.

Key Facts

• Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy stated the MEA denied clearance for his US travel last week.
• He had planned a US delegation trip to attract investments in education, sports, and related areas, including MoUs with Harvard University and other US universities.
• He returned to Hyderabad on Monday after a three-day visit to the United Kingdom.
• He accused the central government of favouring Gujarat and claimed the denial insulted Telangana and its 4 crore people.
• He said the UK trip proceeded while the US trip was blocked, and questioned why permission was granted for the UK trip but not the US trip.

What Happens Next

Reddy indicated the Congress would raise the issue in Parliament, signaling possible political confrontation over the denial. No further official schedule for the US delegation has been announced in the provided material.