US Politician Kshama Sawant Denied Visa by Indian Consulate, Alleges Discrimination
Indian-American Politician Kshama Sawant Faces Visa Denial and Law and Order Situation at Indian Consulate in Seattle
The Indian Consulate in Seattle recently faced a law and order situation when Indian-American politician Kshama Sawant was denied an emergency visa. The Consulate General of India in Seattle had to call in local authorities after certain individuals tried to enter the Consulate premises without authorization after office hours and refused to leave.
Unauthorised Entry and Aggressive Behavior
According to a statement from the Consulate General of India in Seattle, the situation escalated when individuals refused to leave the premises despite repeated requests and engaged in aggressive and threatening behavior towards the Consulate staff. The Consulate had to deal with the unauthorized entry and ensure the safety and security of its premises.
Kshama Sawant’s Allegations
While the Consulate did not provide detailed information on the incident, Kshama Sawant, a former City Council Member of Seattle, alleged that her visa was denied because her name was on a “reject list.” This was not the first time her visa application to visit her ailing mother in Bengaluru was rejected. She claimed that her visa was rejected thrice while her husband was granted an emergency visa.
Peaceful Civil Disobedience at the Consulate
On the day of the incident, Kshama Sawant, along with members of Workers Strike Back, engaged in a “peaceful civil disobedience” at the Indian consulate. They demanded an explanation for the repeated denial of her visa application. In a series of social media posts, Sawant shared her frustration and the details of the situation at the Consulate.
Political Criticism and Advocacy Work
Kshama Sawant has been a vocal critic of the Bharatiya Janata Party-led government in India. She has urged the country’s political Opposition to speak up for critics like her. During her time on the Seattle City Council, she moved a resolution outlawing caste-based discrimination and advocated for various social justice issues.
Workers Strike Back Organization
After her tenure on the Seattle City Council, Kshama Sawant established the political organization Workers Strike Back. The organization advocates for a federal minimum wage of $25 an hour and the unionization of labor in the tech industry. Sawant continues to be an active voice for progressive policies and social justice causes.