Priyank Kharge alleges MEA blocked his official US visit, seeks explanation from Centre
Bengaluru: Karnataka IT Minister and Congress leader Priyank Kharge has alleged that the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) denied him clearance for an official visit to the United States, despite his participation being scheduled at two major international events.
Kharge was slated to attend the BIO International Convention in Boston and the Design Automation Conference (DAC) in San Francisco. However, according to sources, although he holds a valid US visa, MEA clearance, which is mandatory for official foreign visits by ministers, was reportedly not granted.
Responding to media reports on the denial, Kharge stated on social media, “I’m holding back on making any public statements for now. Once I’m back in Bengaluru, I will seek a clear explanation from the Government of India regarding this denial.”
The Congress leader is currently in France, where he attended VivaTech 2025, the Paris Air Forum, and the Paris Air Show as part of his official engagements.
Meanwhile, BJP spokesperson Prashanth GS played down the controversy, telling NDTV, “There is no clarity about the level at which clearance was denied,” and refrained from further comment until the MEA provides an official explanation.
The MEA has not yet issued a statement on the matter.
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Australia add Steve Smith as replacement for Hazlewood in T20 World Cup squad
Pallekele (PTI): Senior Australia batter Steve Smith was on Monday approved as replacement for the injured pacer Josh Hazlewood, hours before his side's must-win T20 World Cup match against Sri Lanka here.
Smith thus becomes the 15th member of the injury-hit Australia squad.
"Smith is named as a replacement for Hazlewood, who is now officially ruled out from participating in the tournament due to a calf injury. The team’s medical staff had hoped to have him fit in time to feature in the latter parts of the tournament but were unsuccessful," the ICC said in statement.
Smith had earlier been flown to Sri Lanka as cover for skipper Mitchell Marsh, who missed Australia's opening two matches due to a testicular injury.
The veteran batter trained with the squad on Sunday and is in contention to feature in the crucial clash.
Smith has not played a T20I since February last year but has been in good form in the format in domestic competitions.
In positive signs for the 2021 champions, Marsh too has returned to training. The skipper batted in the nets while also taking part in running and fielding drills on Sunday.
Australia’s World Cup campaign is hanging in the balance following their 23-run defeat to Zimbabwe, and they must beat Sri Lanka on Monday to avoid an early exit.
