Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has said that his government never issued any directives requiring union ministers to seek prior approval before visiting the state. <br/><br/>In a letter written to union tribal affairs minister Kantilal Bhuria he said that all the union ministers and guests are welcome in the state. Mr. Bhuria had recently drawn Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s attention to a circular issued by the state government stating that union ministers have to seek the state government’s approval to attend any development related function in the state. <br/><br/>The circular triggered protests from union ministers from Madhya Pradesh. Mr. Chouhan has said in his letter that the circular was issued to government officers to ensure better security and hospitality arrangements for visiting ministers. <br/>