HYDERABAD: Congress MP Shashi Tharoor on Friday alleged that 115 of the 315 speakers invited to the Bharat Summit in Hyderabad were either denied entry into India or had their visas cancelled, apparently on the instructions of the Union Ministry of Home Affairs.
Tharoor, who is attending the two-day summit, said he learnt about the restrictions after arriving in Hyderabad. In a post on X, he questioned the legal basis for the alleged action and said it was too late for the affected speakers to attend the event, which concludes on Saturday, November 14.
He said the speakers had received clearance from the Ministry of External Affairs before being refused entry or having their visas cancelled.
"What a shame that a proud democracy has become so insecure that it must stifle any voices it fears will be critical!" Tharoor wrote.
The allegation follows a complaint by Norwegian journalist Helle Lyng Svendsen, who said she was advised by the Indian Embassy in Oslo not to travel to India despite holding a valid visa and political clearance. She was scheduled to speak at the summit on media, press freedom and democracy.
Svendsen said she was informed shortly before leaving for the airport that she would not be allowed to enter India. She alleged that the decision came from the Home Ministry. The ministry and the Ministry of External Affairs have not publicly responded to the allegations.
The Bharat Summit, being held in Hyderabad, has brought together delegates from around 70 countries for discussions on the emerging global order, India's strategic response, cooperative federalism and electoral integrity. The event also seeks to establish a think tank named Our World Institute and create a platform for dialogue between the Global South and the Global North.
Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge are among those attending the summit. Gandhi is scheduled to address the valedictory session on Saturday.
The event has also drawn criticism from the BJP. Union Coal Minister G Kishan Reddy described it as an "anti-India summit", while Telangana BJP leaders questioned the use of public funds for the event and announced protests against Gandhi's visit.
Congress leader Gurdeep Singh Sappal rejected the criticism, saying the summit was an initiative of the Telangana government aimed at attracting investment and creating jobs. Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka also criticised the BJP and BRS over their opposition to the event.
(With inputs from media reports)