Visa denial: But MEA says it's a misunderstanding'
K.C. Venugopal, MP had sought a clarification from the Centre whether the decision to deny visa to the minister was politically motivated.
Thiruvananthapuram: Ministry of External Affairs has clarified that the allegations levelled in connection with the denial of visa to local bodies minister K T Jaleel to visit Saudi Arabia was following a misunderstanding. MEA said there was no bar in granting diplomatic visa to the minister. However, the timing of the visit of minister was not suitable as union minister of state for external affairs Mr V K Singh was in Saudi Arabia at the moment.
The centre is making all efforts under the direct supervision of Singh to ensure the safe return of Indians who are currently lodged in labour camps, to India. Meanwhile, parliamentary affairs minister Mr Anantha Kumar said union minister for external affairs Sushma Swaraj will make a statement in Parliament on Monday on the issue of denial of visa to the minister.
He was responding to the allegations levelled by K C Venugopal in Lok Sabha. The MP from Kerala had sought a clarification from the Centre whether the decision to deny visa to the minister was politically motivated. He referred to Jaleel’s statement suspecting political motive behind the decision.