Revanth Reddy Defends Zohran Mamdani, Slams Centre
Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy has criticised the Centre for denying political clearance for his planned visit to the United States, calling the decision an insult to Telangana. He also defended a proposed meeting with New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani, saying Mamdani was an elected representative and “not an anti-social element.”
Revanth Reddy Questions Centre Over US Trip
Reddy said the Centre had permitted Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel to visit the United States for investment-related engagements while denying Telangana similar clearance.
He alleged that the decision reflected discrimination against Telangana and claimed the BJP-led government did not want states governed by opposition parties to grow beyond a certain point.
The Ministry of External Affairs had earlier said political clearance was denied because the proposed programme for Reddy’s US visit was considered inappropriate.
Revanth Reddy Defends Zohran Mamdani Meeting
Responding to reports that his US itinerary potentially included meetings with Mayor Zohran Mamdani and US Vice President JD Vance, Reddy rejected criticism surrounding the proposed engagements.
He said Mamdani was an elected mayor and argued that meetings involving a chief minister and senior foreign political figures would normally be formally coordinated, with the Indian embassy involved in such engagements.
The proposed Mamdani meeting had previously been described as tentative.
Congress to Raise Clearance Row in Parliament
Reddy returned to Hyderabad after completing a three-day visit to the United Kingdom. He had departed on August 20 with plans to continue onward to the US before the clearance was denied.
He said Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi would raise the issue in Parliament.
The Telangana Chief Minister maintained that his overseas engagements were intended to attract investment and institutional partnerships for the state.
