Blatant Parochialism in Bureaucracy: Congress Slams Centre Over Priyank Kharge’s US Visit Denial

In a scathing attack against the central government, Congress leader and Rajya Sabha MP Randeep Singh Surjewala on Friday accused the Centre of practicing blatant parochialism after Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge was allegedly denied clearance for a scheduled visit to the United States. The incident has triggered a fresh wave of political controversy, adding to the already strained relations between the BJP-led Centre and the Congress-ruled Karnataka government.

Congress Alleges Discriminatory Intent Behind Denial

Randeep Surjewala didn’t mince his words, describing the decision as “marred with blatant parochialism.” He argued that such bureaucratic interventions by the Centre signal a dangerous trend of political vendetta, especially when directed at elected state representatives. According to Surjewala, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) did not provide any substantial reasoning for denying the requisite Political Clearance, a mandatory prerequisite for ministers to travel abroad on official duties.

Kharge’s US Visit: A Missed Opportunity for Karnataka

Priyank Kharge, who currently serves as Karnataka’s Minister for IT, BT, and Rural Development, was scheduled to travel to the United States to represent the state at a major international tech conference and explore investment opportunities. The visit, which could have bolstered Karnataka’s presence in the global IT sector, has now been cancelled due to the absence of central clearance.

Kharge, responding to the issue, expressed deep disappointment, stating, “I was invited to promote Karnataka’s innovation ecosystem. The denial not only hampers state interests but reflects the Centre’s mindset of blatant parochialism.”

A Growing Pattern of Blatant Parochialism?

This is not the first instance where a state-level leader from an opposition-ruled state has faced difficulty in obtaining international travel clearance. Analysts point out a growing pattern in which non-BJP state ministers have encountered similar obstacles. Randeep Surjewala emphasized this issue in his media interaction, warning that such blatant parochialism undermines India’s federal structure and damages international perception of Indian democracy.

“Denying permissions for state ministers to carry out their duties internationally for political reasons is nothing short of blatant parochialism. It weakens India’s image abroad and sends the wrong message to investors and global partners,” Surjewala stated.

Centre Maintains Silence, No Official Explanation

As of now, the central government has not issued any official explanation regarding the denial. MEA sources have remained tight-lipped, and the Prime Minister’s Office has not commented. This silence has further fueled criticism from the Congress and civil society, who demand transparency in bureaucratic processes affecting foreign policy and economic engagements.

Political Fallout and Public Reaction

The incident has gained traction on social media, with #BlatantParochialism trending across platforms. Political observers argue that this move could backfire on the central government, especially in the context of ongoing debates about cooperative federalism and equitable treatment of states.

Citizens and political activists alike have expressed dismay over the incident, questioning the intent behind such a decision. “Is the Centre putting political ego above national interest?” tweeted one user, echoing a sentiment that’s rapidly gaining ground.

Surjewala’s Call for Institutional Accountability

In his concluding remarks, Surjewala called for systemic reforms to prevent such acts of blatant parochialism in the future. He urged the judiciary, media, and civil society to hold the central government accountable for politically motivated bureaucratic decisions that stifle democratic representation and undermine state autonomy.

“This is not just about Priyank Kharge; it’s about the dignity of democratic institutions,” Surjewala added. “The country cannot afford to allow blatant parochialism to become the norm.”

Conclusion: Time for Transparent Governance

The denial of clearance to Priyank Kharge may seem like a bureaucratic issue on the surface, but it has opened a Pandora’s box of questions about fairness, federalism, and political neutrality. The Congress’s sharp criticism, coupled with mounting public outrage, highlights the urgent need for a more transparent and non-partisan approach to administrative decisions.

With the 2025 political calendar heating up, such episodes of blatant parochialism could significantly influence public perception and electoral outcomes. Whether the central government chooses to respond remains to be seen—but one thing is clear: the issue is far from over.