Hyderabad: Telangana BJP president N. Ramchander Rao accused the Congress of politicising the denial of political clearance for Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy’s proposed US visit. He said the Centre’s decision had no political motive.
Speaking to reporters at the state BJP office on Friday, Rao said officials accompanying the Chief Minister had already received permission. They could therefore proceed with investment meetings and agreements, he said.
Rao explained that the Ministry of External Affairs considers several factors before granting political clearance. These include the purpose of the visit, diplomatic and security considerations, protocol and regulatory requirements.
He also cited instances from the UPA period involving former Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi and former Jharkhand Chief Minister Arjun Munda. According to Rao, the Centre denied political clearance for their proposed foreign visits.
CM US visit clearance draws BJP-Congress political clash
Rao urged the Congress to avoid politicising the issue. He also recalled allegations that Congress MPs and leaders had written letters seeking to prevent Narendra Modi from receiving a US visa when he served as Gujarat Chief Minister.
The BJP leader said the Centre had not created obstacles when Revanth Reddy travelled abroad in the past. He maintained that officials followed existing regulations and procedural norms in the latest decision.
Meanwhile, Rao welcomed doctors Vijayender and Pramod into the BJP. Dr Vijayender is associated with cancer care and the Telangana Doctors Federation.
Dr Pramod serves as chairman of Meghana Hospital in LB Nagar. Rao welcomed both doctors during the programme at the state BJP office.