Liberal Democrats boycott Modi’s speech to Congress
Half a dozen liberal House Democrats boycotted Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s speech to Congress on Thursday afternoon, in protest at what they criticize as his appalling human rights record, particularly towards Muslim minority groups in India.
Four of the protesting members released a statement on Thursday condemning the speech as “an embarrassing spectacle”, arguing that by giving Modi such a rare platform, “Congress is undermining its ability to be a credible advocate for the rights of religious minorities and journalists in the area.” the world.”
“We must never sacrifice human rights on the altar of political expediency,” Representatives Rashida Tlaib of Michigan, Cori Bush of Missouri, Ilhan Omar of Minnesota and Jamaal Bowman of New York wrote in the joint statement. They called on other congressmen to join their protest and “stand in solidarity with the communities that have been harmed by Modi and his policies”.
But while other lawmakers have acknowledged and even criticized Mr Modi for promoting anti-democratic and Hindu nationalist policies, and criticized him for failing to condemn violent attacks against minority groups, they have balked at the idea of a visit from boycott such an economically and strategically important organization. American ally.
“We need to engage,” said California Democrat Representative Ro Khanna, an Indian-descent member who co-chairs the Congressional Caucus on India, arguing that Indian government leaders “will not be open and receptive to anything that comes out as lectures the West,’
“I think they would be much more open to dialogue as equals on the project of multiracial democracy,” he said.
The Biden administration is pushing for closer ties with India, especially as the distance between the United States and Russia and China grows. India’s large economy and population make it an attractive partner for the United States, especially as Washington seeks to reduce its economic dependence on Beijing, and a concerted effort is underway to drive New Delhi away from Russia, from where it can buy arms and oil. continues to buy, to help undermine Moscow’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine.
But the protesting lawmakers deeply objected to the geopolitical justifications for Mr Modi’s speech. They pointed out that Mr Modi was once denied a US visa because of his participation in deadly religious riots, and argued that years later he should not be rewarded with a diplomatic red carpet.
“A joint speech is one of the most prestigious invitations and honors the United States Congress can bestow,” New York Democrat Representative Alexandria Ocasio Cortez, who also boycotts Modi’s speech, wrote in a statement she tweeted Wednesday night. “We should not be doing this for individuals with a deeply troubling human rights record, especially those whom our own State Department has found guilty of systematic violations of the human rights of religious groups. minorities and communities with caste oppression.”