Bengaluru, June 22 -- Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge questioned the Centre on Sunday for its "U-turn" on its decision to grant him approval to visit the United States, claiming that the delay in approval has led to loss of investment opportunities for the state. Kharge alleged that the MEA's decision is politics being played by Opposition-ruled states.

"This question should be asked to the MEA. Why did they deny the delegation led by me, and why are they allowing it now? What was wrong then and what is right now?...We were supposed to be there from 13th June, and it is 21st already. Do you think World Expos and World Trade exhibitions will wait for us?" Kharge told ANI.

The state minister said that Karnataka is "one of the biggest ec...