The Case Of Priyank Kharge: MEA Gives USA Clearance 5 Days After Schedule Departure

Karnataka minister and Congress leader Priyank Kharge quips that the MEA (Ministry of External Affairs) has taken an U-turn in his case - by giving him the clearance to visit the US, which the ministry had denied earlier.

Kharge also questioned the back and forth of the MEA while demanding an explanation. 

Kharge took on to his X handle where he wrote--“So in a U-turn, the Ministry of External Affairs has now decided to revoke its earlier decision and grant me a clearance for an official visit to the United States. I had sought permission on 15 May to travel between 14–27 June to represent the Government of Karnataka at two major global forums and over 25 official meetings with top companies, universities and institutions for collaborations and pitch for investments”.

So in a U-turn, the Ministry of External Affairs has now decided to revoke its earlier decision and grant me a clearance for an official visit to the United States.

I had sought permission on 15 May to travel between 14–27 June to represent the Government of Karnataka at two…

— Priyank Kharge / ಪ್ರಿಯಾಂಕ್ ಖರ್ಗೆ (@PriyankKharge) June 21, 2025

 
Who Is  Priyank Kharge?

Kharge is a cabinet minister of the Karnataka government headed by Siddharamiah. He holds the ministries of information Technology, Rural Development and Panchayati Raj. Priyank is the son of Congress president Mr. Mallikarjun Kharge.  He won from the Chittapur constituency for 3rd term in 2023.

The Chronology

Priyank Kharge gives the chronology of the events to establish the back and forth of MEA’s stand. In his X post he added—
- Application for Minister + Officers Delegation made on 15 May — rejected on 4 June.

- Application for Officers Delegation without Minister on 6 June — cleared on 11 June. 

- Application for KEONICS Chairman only on 12 June — cleared on 14 June.

My application was denied without any official explanation.

On 19 June, I addressed a press conference, laying out the full chronology, questioning the basis of the denial and raising concerns about possible political interference. The matter was widely reported in the media.

By the evening of the same day, the MEA revoked its earlier denial and issued a No Objection clearance dated 19 June.

36 days after my original application,
15 days after the official denial and
5 days after my scheduled departure, they “revoke” their previous decision.

Raising serious questions, Priyank wrote—“ The timing raises serious questions--Why was the clearance denied in the first place? Was the previous order revoked to avoid accountability after the matter became public? What is the point of granting clearance after the key events are either over or nearing completion? Will the MEA now avoid explaining the original decision by pointing to the belated approval?”

Taking jibe on PM Modi and the central government, he wrote—“ While the Centre gives us slogans like “Make in India,” “Digital India”, “National Quantum Mission” and “India AI Mission,” the real work to realise these aspirations is happening here in Karnataka. They coin the vision, but when we do the work to bring investments, create jobs and position India as a global leader - they block us.”

“The Prime Minister once said  MAGA + MIGA = MEGA.  But what does that even mean in practice, when the very state driving India’s tech and innovation engine is denied the support it needs to lead globally?”

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