WASHINGTON DC: One week after Rep. Keith Ellison (D-MN) held a conference call with more than 30 leaders of the Indian American communities to clarify his contested record over legislation regarding India, the nominee for chair of the Democratic National Committee has released a detailed statement.
“As we discussed, I will do more to integrate the concerns and aspirations of the Hindu community in India into my legislative work,” wrote Rep. Ellison. “I also pledge to highlight the persecution of Hindu minority communities throughout South Asia.”
The phone meeting on December 12 was organized by the Hindu American Foundation (HAF), and was actively participated by many Indian leaders from across USA The Foundation had voiced concerns regarding the veteran Congressman’s legislative record.
It was moderated by HAF’s Executive Director, Suhag Shukla, and was joined by Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (D-HI) and representatives of nearly 30 Indian American groups. The call covered a wide range of concerns ranging from Rep. Ellison’s lop sided focus on South Asia that overlooked problems faced by Hindu minorities in countries like Bangladesh and Pakistan.
The talk also sought to have his position and views clarified if he would constructively engage the current Government of India to promote bilateral ties. Leaders on the call also queried Rep. Ellison as to how, should he be elected DNC chair, he would work with the incoming four Hindu American Democrats in Congress to increase engagement and involvement of the broader Hindu and Indian American communities.
Leaders on the call directly questioned Rep. Ellison regarding his focus on the Gujarat riots of 2002, while current Prime Minister Narendra Modi governed the state. Rep. Ellison responded that he viewed the Gujarat issue as a “closed matter” since the Indian Supreme Court has issued its ruling.
“On behalf of HAF and the other community organizations present, we appreciate Representative Ellison’s willingness to have an open dialogue about concerns of the Hindu American community, as well as the candor of his responses,” said Shukla. “It is now our hope to look towards the future. We look forward to continuing to advocate on behalf of the Hindu American community with Mr. Ellison, should he be elected DNC chair or remain a Congressman.”
Representatives from prominent national organizations as well as DNC supporters, were invited to participate in the meeting. Among them were American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI), American India Foundation, Art of Living, Asian American Hotel Owners’ Association (AAHOA), Bangladesh Hindu, Buddhist & Christian Unity Council,
Coalition of Hindu Temples of North America, Ekal Vidyalaya, Federation of Indian Associations, Federation of Jain Associations in North America,
Global Organization of People of Indian Origin, Hindu American Foundation (HAF), Hindu American Political Action Committee, Hindu Mandir Executives Committee, Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh, India Development and Relief Fund, Indian American Community Foundation, Indo-American Kashmir Forum, Indicorps, International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), Kashmir Organization of America, Oversees Volunteers for a Better India, Northwest Indiana Hindu Religious Center, Sewa USA, United Hindu Jain Temple, US India Political Action Committee, US India Security Council, Vishwa Hindu Parishad of America, World Vaishnava Association,
Dr Bharat Barai , community activist and Kumar Barve, Chairman, Environment & Transportation Committee, Maryland General Assembly
Surendra Ullal adds:
In a talk to this paper, Dr Barai specifically asked Elision about his diatribe against Narendra Modi and happenings in Gujarat ten years ago. Dr Barai pointed out that his views were greatly colored by the propaganda and misinformation orchestrated by extremists and were highly one sided and not balanced.
Rep. Keith said that he was briefed by a couple of persons who claimed to be present during the riot period but was now getting a clear picture after Supreme Court gave a clean chit to Modi and his government.
Dr Barai said that the riot was the outcome of burning of 59 pilgrims who came from Ayodhya and this angered many in Gujarat. Rep. Keith did not mention about this aspect and laid entire blame on Modi Government. Barai offered to come to Washington to talk to him and his staff since he hailed from Gujarat and has a clear picture of what happened and how Modi handled it.
Keith also observed that he was not fully aware of the plight of minorities in Kashmir and persecution of Hindus in Bangladesh but he was for protecting the rights of minority anywhere in the world.
Neela Pandya
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