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For 'political reasons', MEA says no to Russia trip by Kolkata mayor

Kolkata mayor Firhad Hakim's scheduled visit to Moscow for the Brics summit from September 17-21 was blocked by the Union ministry of external affairs due to political reasons. Although he had received prior approvals from both state and home ministries, his final clearance was withheld by MEA. Hakim was the sole Indian mayor invited.

KOLKATA: Kolkata mayor Firhad Hakim's planned trip to Moscow to attend Brics summit from September 17-21 was denied clearance by Union ministry of external affairs citing " political reasons ", reported. Hakim was the only Indian mayor scheduled to participate in the event. He was invited by the mayor of Moscow to the summit, which global figures, including PM Narendra Modi and heads of state of Brazil, China and South Africa, are slated to attend.

However, a letter from the ministry on September 13 said that the mayor's travel approval was being withheld. Public representatives are required to obtain clearance from Centre for any foreign trip when invited by international organisations or foreign govts. Following protocol, Hakim first got approval from CM Mamata Banerjee .

The request was then forwarded to the Union home ministry, which approved the trip through its "foreign branch". However, the MEA reversed the decision, denying final clearance..