Politics – UP Deputy CM’s UK Visa Denial Mars Europe Tour
Politics – The recent overseas visit of Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya concluded with a diplomatic setback after the delegation was unable to secure visas for the United Kingdom leg of the trip.
The team, which had just wrapped up a series of meetings in Germany aimed at attracting foreign investment, is now returning to Lucknow without proceeding to Britain as originally planned.
UK Visa Delay Disrupts Second Leg of Tour
According to officials familiar with the matter, the visa applications for the British visit could not be processed in time due to a delay in receiving the required No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Government of India. As a result, the UK authorities did not grant clearance for the delegation’s entry.
The development brought an abrupt end to what had otherwise been described as a productive international outreach programme. While there has been no formal statement detailing further diplomatic communication on the issue, sources indicated that procedural timelines played a decisive role in the outcome.
Investment Talks in Germany Yield Key Agreements
Before the visa complication surfaced, the delegation led by Deputy CM Maurya and Uttar Pradesh IT Minister Sunil Sharma held multiple discussions with prominent industrial groups and business associations in Germany.
The focus of the meetings was to strengthen industrial collaboration and encourage foreign companies to explore investment opportunities in Uttar Pradesh. Officials reported that several memorandums of understanding were signed during the visit.
These agreements span crucial sectors including semiconductor manufacturing, defence production, and aerospace technology. The state government views these industries as central to its long-term economic expansion strategy. Representatives of German firms reportedly expressed interest in exploring partnerships and future projects within India’s largest state.
AIMIM Turns Attention to Uttar Pradesh
In a separate political development, the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen has begun preparations to expand its presence in Uttar Pradesh. After registering notable performances in the Bihar Assembly elections and municipal polls in Maharashtra, the party is now looking toward the politically significant state of UP.
The party has started its outreach by criticising the Samajwadi Party led by Akhilesh Yadav, positioning itself as an alternative voice. Political observers, however, remain cautious about the party’s prospects in Uttar Pradesh.
Analysts point out that AIMIM’s gains in Bihar were concentrated in Muslim-majority constituencies where the Rashtriya Janata Dal lacked strong local Muslim leadership. In contrast, the Samajwadi Party has a well-established network of Muslim leaders across Uttar Pradesh, and the community has traditionally supported the party in significant numbers.
Given these dynamics, experts believe replicating the Bihar outcome in UP may present considerable challenges.
Former PCS Officer Launches New Political Party
Meanwhile, a former Provincial Civil Services officer has stepped into the political arena. Alankar Agnihotri, who resigned from service citing objections to University Grants Commission regulations and was later suspended by the state government, has announced the formation of his own political outfit.
The new party, named Rashtriya Adhikar Morcha, was formally introduced earlier this week in Vrindavan. Agnihotri stated that the party’s guiding principles would draw inspiration from Lord Ram and Lord Krishna, reflecting what he described as a blend of cultural and ethical values.
Addressing supporters, he said the choice of Vrindavan for the launch carried symbolic significance and marked the beginning of his public political journey. Agnihotri had earlier objected to certain UGC rules, which have since been stayed by the Supreme Court.
With multiple political shifts unfolding simultaneously, Uttar Pradesh continues to witness both administrative and electoral developments that may influence the state’s future political landscape.