Kishan Reddy Dismisses CM Revanth Reddy Charges Over Cancelled US Trip

Union Minister G. Kishan Reddy dismissed Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy’s allegations regarding the cancellation of his proposed tour to the United States, calling the charges "meaningless."

Addressing a press conference in Delhi, Kishan Reddy stated that Chief Ministers finalise foreign visits only after securing necessary clearances. He explained that Revanth Reddy had planned to travel to London before proceeding to the United States. According to the Union Minister, the Ministry of External Affairs clearly informed the Chief Minister that his proposed tour was not commensurate with his stature, leading to the denial of clearances.

Kishan Reddy emphasised that guidelines governing foreign tours have been in place since Independence. He noted that in 2005, when the Congress was in power, Narendra Modi was not granted permission to visit the US, whereas the current Central government permitted Revanth Reddy to visit Harvard Business School in January. He added that a Chief Minister should behave responsibly and questioned reports suggesting Revanth Reddy attempted to meet New York figure Zohran Mamdani, who is known for anti-India remarks.

The Union Minister also challenged the Chief Minister on state governance issues, asking him to explain the status of his administration's promises regarding the education sector. These included allocating 15 percent of the budget to education, providing scooters to students, and distributing Vidya Bharosa cards. Accusing Revanth Reddy of indulging in empty rhetoric to divert attention from failures, Kishan Reddy noted that the Chief Minister would complete 1,000 days in office by September 2 and should account for what he has accomplished for Telangana.

Kishan Reddy also highlighted Central initiatives for Singareni's development, including securing coal blocks such as Naini in Odisha for the Yadadri power plant, Tadicherla-2, PKOC-2, and Koyagudem Block-3 in Bhadradri Kothagudem district. Pointing out that Singareni was facing financial constraints and relying on overdrafts to pay salaries, he demanded that the state government immediately release Rs 55,000 crore in outstanding dues.

Separately, BJP Telangana president N. Ramchander Rao rejected claims of political interference behind the visa denial. Rao said the Centre acted on information that the Chief Minister planned to meet individuals and organisations in the US who could cause trouble for India. Citing Central projects in the state such as national highways, Warangal Airport, AIIMS Bibinagar, and Vande Bharat trains, Rao demanded that Revanth Reddy clarify whom he intended to meet and apologise for spreading false allegations.