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The Indian-American Muslim Council, a US-based advocacy group, expressed deep disappointment in Khanna’s association with Iyer-Mitra, whom they labeled as a far-right Islamophobe
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The council condemned Khanna for aligning with individuals who perpetuate hate and violence against Muslims
US Congressman Ro Khanna has come under fire for his recent meeting with Abhijeet Iyer-Mitra, a prominent figure associated with the far-right Hindutva ideology. The criticism stems from the perceived contradiction between Khanna’s self-proclaimed progressive values and his engagement with Hindu nationalists.
Khanna, a Democrat and co-chair of the Congressional India Caucus, was leading a bipartisan congressional delegation during his visit to India. On August 14, Iyer-Mitra posted a photo with Khanna on social media, detailing a “productive breakfast meeting.”
Iyer-Mitra praised Khanna for his openness and dedication to enhancing India-US relations. In response, Khanna acknowledged the conversation and appreciated Iyer-Mitra’s insights.
The Indian-American Muslim Council, a US-based advocacy group, expressed deep disappointment in Khanna’s association with Iyer-Mitra, whom they labeled as a far-right Islamophobe. The council condemned Khanna for aligning with individuals who perpetuate hate and violence against Muslims.
Critics, including journalists and academics from the US and India, have called on Khanna to apologize to his fellow Democrat colleague Ilhan Omar and issue a strong denouncement of Iyer-Mitra. They argue that Khanna’s actions are incongruent with his supposed progressive stance.
Iyer-Mitra praised Khanna for his openness and dedication to enhancing India-US relations. In response, Khanna acknowledged the conversation and appreciated Iyer-Mitra’s insights
Khanna defended his meeting by explaining that he engaged with Iyer-Mitra because of the latter’s criticisms of his grandfather. He invoked Mahatma Gandhi’s philosophy of engaging with diverse viewpoints, including those of British colonizers. The Congressman emphasized that his core values remain steadfast, regardless of the people he interacts with.
Responding to the Indian-American Muslim Council’s dissatisfaction with his initial reply, Khanna reiterated his commitment to pluralism and the human rights of minority populations, including Muslims, both in India and the US. He affirmed his unchanging values and expressed pride in conveying them regardless of his acquaintances.
Khanna had previously asserted that American politicians of Hindu faith should champion pluralism, reject Hindutva, and advocate for equal rights among Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, Buddhists, and Christians. He made this statement in response to an article about the rise of Hindutva—an ideology favoring Hindu supremacy in India—in the US, reflecting his dedication to his grandfather’s vision of an inclusive India.
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