He alleged the act as an example of political bias against Opposition-ruled states and leaders. Recalling a previous official visit with Karnataka Industries Minister MB Patil, Kharge said the delegation had held 72 meetings in 10 days and returned with ₹30,000 crore in investment promises and MoUs.
Published Jun 19, 2025 | 7:02 PM ⚊ Updated Jun 19, 2025 | 7:02 PM
Kharge said the travel proposal, submitted on 15 May, included a “minute-by-minute itinerary” and had received the Chief Minister’s approval in the first week of May.
Synopsis: Karnataka IT & BT Minister Priyank Kharge has accused the Union government of political bias after being denied permission to visit the US for an official trip aimed at generating investments earlier this month. He said the same plan was approved once his name was removed, and demanded an official explanation.
Karnataka Minister for IT & BT, Rural Development and Panchayat Raj, Priyank Kharge, has alleged that the Union government deliberately denied him permission to travel to the United States as part of a diplomatic delegation aimed at attracting investment to Karnataka earlier this month.
He alleged the act as an example of political bias against Opposition-ruled states and leaders.
Addressing a press conference in Bengaluru on Thursday, 19 June, Kharge questioned the Ministry of External Affairs’ (MEA) refusal to clear his participation in two major international events, despite what he described as a “meticulously planned” itinerary and official approval from the state’s Chief Minister.
“We are okay with the rejection – if the Government of India denies our visit for valid reasons, that’s their prerogative. But we ask for transparency. Tell us why it was rejected. Explain why our meetings or visits were considered problematic. Acknowledge that you reviewed our detailed proposal and state whether it went against the interests of the state or country. Or say there were geopolitical issues – fine. But give us a reason,” he said.
Kharge said the travel proposal, submitted on 15 May, included a “minute-by-minute itinerary” and had received the Chief Minister’s approval in the first week of May.
However, the MEA rejected the proposal on 4 June. He added that when he withdrew his name on 6 June and proposed a delegation consisting only of officials, the same plan was approved on 11 June. Later, the inclusion of KEONICS Chairman Sharath Bacche Gowda was also cleared on 14 June.
“Chronology samjhaiye!” Kharge said. “A delegation led by me – denied. A delegation of officers – approved. A delegation led by another cabinet-ranked colleague – approved.”
The Minister expressed concern that such denials risk undermining Karnataka’s international outreach and economic progress.
“I could travel privately, but that would mean going on a tourist visa. In that case, the local governments or companies in those countries wouldn’t cooperate with us, because we wouldn’t be there in an official capacity,” he said.
“If we go as representatives of the Government of Karnataka, with Union government support, we receive diplomatic status. This allows us to engage with embassies, reach company decision-makers, and arrange meaningful meetings. We cannot do that on a private visit – it must be official.”
Highlighting Karnataka’s role in national development, Kharge added:
“The IT services exports we generate provide substantial revenue to the Union government, and not a rupee for Karnataka – yet the engine behind this is Karnataka. We are not only driving the economic engine of the country, but also that of Asia and beyond,” he said.
“Karnataka is home to over 100 fabless chip design houses, holds more than 40 percent of India’s share in electronic design, and has the country’s largest skilled talent pool. Thirty percent of new start-ups in India are based here.”
He continued: “Among the Fortune 500 companies globally, research and development activities are taking place in Karnataka. We have the highest number of start-ups in the world, and we rank second in India in terms of foreign direct investment. We are the fourth-largest technology cluster globally. Karnataka ranks first among Indian states in total exports, number of R&D centres, NITI Aayog’s Innovation Index, installed renewable energy infrastructure, aerospace industry presence, and AI talent. Fifty percent of all unicorns in India are based in Karnataka.”
Recalling a previous official visit with Karnataka Industries Minister MB Patil, Kharge said the delegation had held 72 meetings in 10 days and returned with ₹30,000 crore in investment promises and MoUs.
“In the last year alone, Karnataka received over ₹21,000 crore in actual investments in the electronics sector. These aren’t just MoUs – these investments have been signed off and cleared by the Government of Karnataka, and work has commenced. As a result, anywhere between 18,000 to 20,000 people have gained employment,” he said.
“Show me a strike rate like that from any other delegation from another state. We weren’t there to play dandiya – we didn’t take a holiday in the US or Europe. We got real work done.”
He further questioned the rationale behind the MEA’s decision, particularly given Karnataka’s standing as a leading technology hub.
“For example, there was the BioConvention conference. If Karnataka doesn’t attend a major biotechnology event, then who will? Madhya Pradesh? Uttar Pradesh?” he asked.
“We had engagements lined up with Autodesk Innovation Labs, Boston Biofoundry, and several other important companies and think tanks.”
Referring to central government initiatives like “Make in India,” “Digital India,” and “India AI Vision,” Kharge remarked: “Where is all this actually happening? They are dreaming over there. We are the ones realising those dreams here. They give us these slogans, and when we try to actually build the nation, they reject us.”
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Kharge also took aim at Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Centre’s foreign policy.
“Now look at what’s happening – [US President Donald Trump] has been saying that Make in India shouldn’t happen, that iPhones and other American companies shouldn’t manufacture in India. What is your response to that? Where is Apple manufacturing right now? In our state – Karnataka,” he said.
“When such statements were made, did the BJP speak out even once? And then we get grand speeches like: ‘My friend Donald, my friend Donald…’ ‘Make America Great Again, Make India Great Again’ – he even said MAGA plus MIGA equals MEGA. What does that even mean?”
He continued:
“The media plays it on loop, and the andhbhakts clap. But where is the employment? Where is the investment? Where are the jobs? And when we ask to go out and bring in investment – you deny us,” he said.
Kharge said he had initially avoided politicising the matter, intending to raise the issue only after the delegation’s return.
“As the Government of India, you have every right to tell us if we’re going wrong – to guide us. But if you cannot give a valid reason, we will be forced to believe this is political. And I’m telling you now – it is political,” he said.
“I am going to write to the MEA requesting a valid explanation for the denial of support. I will also request the Chief Minister to write to the Prime Minister. When we bring investment to the state, it doesn’t just benefit Karnataka – it benefits the Centre too. This is not in good spirit. It’s not healthy governance.”
He also criticised what he called a pattern of denial affecting Opposition-ruled states.
“According to our information, permissions have been denied for Tamil Nadu and, in some cases, Telangana as well,” he said.
“When I recently attended the Paris Air Show on invitation, a party spokesperson from another state had come privately. I asked where their minister was, and they said they were denied permission.”
(Edited by Dese Gowda)
