Thu Sep 12 06:52:00 UTC 2024: ## Indian Congress Leader Faces Backlash for Meeting with US Congresswoman Ilhan Omar
**Washington D.C./Minneapolis, MN** – Indian Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s recent meeting with US Congresswoman Ilhan Omar during a visit to Washington has sparked fierce criticism in India, particularly from the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
Gandhi, who met with several US lawmakers to discuss democracy and human rights, drew ire from the BJP for aligning with Omar, who has been a vocal critic of India’s policies on Kashmir, religious freedom, and human rights.
Omar, a Somali-American representing Minnesota’s 5th Congressional District, is known for her advocacy for international human rights and minority issues. Her stance on Kashmir, including a 2022 visit to Pakistan-administered Kashmir, and her introduction of resolutions in the US Congress condemning alleged human rights abuses in India, have made her a controversial figure in India.
The BJP has accused Gandhi of aligning with “anti-India” individuals, highlighting Omar’s outspoken criticism of India’s policies. This meeting has further inflamed tensions between India and the US, particularly over issues like Kashmir and religious intolerance.
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