Kishan Reddy Slams CM’s US Trip Charge

Union minister G. Kishan Reddy dismissed Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy’s allegations over the cancellation of his US trip as “meaningless”, while BJP Telangana president N. Ramchander Rao termed the charges against the Centre “improper”.

Addressing a press conference in Delhi, Reddy said chief ministers finalise foreign tours only after securing clearances. “Revanth Reddy had planned to go to London and then proceed to the US. The MEA clearly told him his proposed tour was not commensurate with his stature and hence clearances were not granted,” he said.

Reddy said foreign tour guidelines have been in place since Independence. “In 2005, when Congress was in power, Narendra Modi was not granted permission to visit the US. This January, we permitted Revanth Reddy to visit Harvard Business School,” he said, adding that a chief minister should behave responsibly. He also questioned reports that Revanth had attempted to meet New York mayor Zohran Mamdani, known for anti-India comments.

The Union minister said Revanth should first explain the status of his promises on education. “You promised 15% of the budget to education, scooters for students and Vidya Bharosa cards. What is the status?” he asked. “Revanth Reddy has made it a habit to indulge in empty rhetoric. There is no development under his rule, only corruption,” he said. He added that Revanth was resorting to gimmicks to divert attention from failures. “By September 2, Revanth Reddy will complete 1,000 days in office. He should tell the people what he has done for Telangana in these 1,000 days.”

Reddy outlined his initiatives for Singareni’s development, including securing new coal blocks such as Naini (Odisha) for Yadadri power plant, Tadicherla-2, PKOC-2 and Koyagudem Block-3 in Bhadradri Kothagudem district. He said Singareni was facing financial difficulties and resorting to overdrafts for salaries, and demanded the state government immediately release ₹55,000 crore dues.

Meanwhile, BJP state president N. Ramchander Rao rejected Revanth’s allegation of politics behind denial of visa. He said the Centre’s decision was based on information that the CM planned to meet individuals and organisations in the US who could cause trouble to India. “Are you travelling just to meet anti-national forces in foreign countries?” Rao asked.

He said Telangana’s development was due to Modi’s Central government, citing national highways, Warangal Airport, AIIMS Bibinagar and Vande Bharat trains. Rao demanded Revanth explain who he was going to meet in the US and apologise to the people for spreading false allegations against the Centre.