Bharatiya Janata Party on Wednesday slammed Congress MP and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi for sharing stage with known India-baiter and Democratic US Representative Ilhan Omar during his trip to the United States.

Claiming that Congress is now openly working against India, BJP IT Cell chief Amit Malviya said: "India's Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi meets Ilhan Omar in the USA, a Pakistan sponsored anti-India voice, a radical Islamist and an advocate of independent Kashmir. Even Pakistani leaders would be more circumspect about being seen with such rabid elements."

Another BJP leader Shehzad Poonawalla said, "After spewing venom against Sikhs & running down India on foreign soil now Rahul Gandhi meets & engages with anti India Ilhan Omar - 1) Ilhan had introduced anti India resolutions in US Congress 2) She has been against abrogation of Art 370 3) She violated India’s sovereignty & visited PoK on a trip sponsored by Pakistan 4) She met Imran Khan & other such elements to discuss “Islamophobia” in India 5) She has been instrumental in peddling hatred against Hindus."

"Why did Rahul Gandhi have to meet her? Why is he engaging with the most radical anti India elements on every foreign trip? In BJP virodh - desh virodh is ok," Shehzad asked

Who is Ilhan Omar?

Ilhan Omar, a vocal critic of India's policies, has been at the center of controversy due to her actions perceived as supportive of Pakistan's stance against India. Her visit to Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), sponsored by the Pakistani government, sparked outrage in India. Additionally, her meeting with Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan further fueled the controversy.

Omar's criticisms of India's policies, particularly regarding Kashmir, have been consistent. She has also taken concrete actions, such as boycotting Prime Minister Narendra Modi's address to the US Congress, to express her disapproval. Furthermore, she has attempted to pass resolutions condemning India's actions in Kashmir, which has been seen as a challenge to India's sovereignty.

Omar's interactions with Indian politicians have been viewed with suspicion, and her actions have been interpreted as taking a pro-Pakistan stance. The controversy surrounding her visit to PoK and her meetings with Pakistani officials has added to the tensions between India and Pakistan, with many in India questioning her motives and allegiance.

In 2023, Representative Ilhan Omar introduced a resolution in the US Congress condemning the escalating human rights violations and restrictions on international religious freedom in India. The resolution specifically highlighted the targeting of various religious and cultural minorities, including Muslims, Christians, Jews, Sikhs, Dalits, Adivasis, and others.

The resolution urged the Secretary of State to designate India as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) under the International Religious Freedom Act, citing the Indian government's repressive policies and actions. These actions included internet blackouts, suppression of free speech, unlawful detention of journalists, and mob violence against religious minorities.

Omar emphasized the need for the US to stand up for religious freedom in India and ensure fair treatment of all religious minorities. She stated, "The Indian government's escalating repression of religious minorities demands attention and action from the international community. By designating India as a CPC, the US can send a strong message that religious freedom and human rights will not be compromised."