Hyderabad : Dismissing the AP CMO’s claims, the US embassy categorically stated that there are no plans to set up any consulate in Vijayawada. In an official statement issued by the US Consulate General, it said, “In response to recent reports in the media, the US embassy affirms that there are no plans to open any new US government facilities in India at this time.”

However in an earlier press note issued by the office of the advisor, communications, Andhra Pradesh CMO, it was stated that, “A delegation from the US state department met Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu at the Secretariat.

The delegation consisted of assistant secretary of state for political-military affairs Puneet Talwar, deputy assistant secretary of state for South Asia Atul Keshap, deputy assistant secretary of state bureau of political-military affairs Kenneth Handelman, Consul-General Micheal Mullins and others officials. During the meeting, the Chief Minister asked the officials to set up a US Consulate in Vijayawada.”

The press note quoted Mr Naidu as saying, “Most of the people flying to the US from the state hail from this region. Hence, it would be beneficial if you set up an office there.”

“The US officials said that they would consider the possibility of setting up a branch office in Vijayawada,” claims the note