Kerala minister denied permission to visit China

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Kerala Tourism Minister Kadakampally Surendran said he has been denied permission to visit China to participate in a UNWTO meeting by the Centre. Surendran said he was shocked by the ruling party's narrow-minded outlook. “Don't you know the way the BJP government at the Centre acts. I feel the only reason for me being denied permission to travel is nothing but political.” He said, “I will certainly want to know the reason and will write to the Prime Minister. I will also bring this to the attention of our Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. Surendran said he had applied for a diplomatic passport but the request was denied. The UN World Tourism Organisation meeting is scheduled to be held in China from September 11 to 16.