Democratic National Committee Chair Candidate Keith Ellison Releases Statement After Call With Coalition of Hindu & Indian American Organizations

Washington DC (December 23, 2016) â€” One week after Rep. Keith Ellison (D-MN) held a conference call with more than 30 leaders of the Hindu and Indian American communities to clarify his contested record over legislation regarding India, the nominee for chair of the Democratic National Committee released a detailed statement this week. The conference call was organized by the Hindu American Foundation (HAF), after the Foundation voiced its concerns regarding the veteran congressmanâ€™s legislative record.

â€œAs we discussed, I will do more to integrate the concerns and aspirations of the Hindu community in India into my legislative work,â€ wrote Rep. Ellison. â€œI also pledge to highlight the persecution of Hindu minority communities throughout South Asia.â€

The phone meeting, which took place on December 12, 2016, was moderated by HAFâ€™s Executive Director, Suhag Shukla, and was joined by Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (D-HI) and representatives of nearly 30 Hindu and Indian American groups. The call covered a wide range of concerns ranging from Rep. Ellisonâ€™s focus on South Asia that many felt ignored the concerns of Hindus where they are minorities, to whether 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 â€œclosed matterâ€ since the Indian Supreme Court has issued its ruling, and wrote in his statement that, â€œThis should be seen in the broader context of my efforts to stand up for minority religious communities, and in no way detracts from my support for Hindus and Hinduism as one of the worldâ€™s great religions.â€

â€œOn behalf of HAF and the other community organizations present, we appreciate Representative Ellisonâ€™s willingness to have an open dialogue about concerns of the Hindu American community, as well as the candor of his responses,â€ said Shukla. â€œIt 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.â€

Representatives from prominent national organizations as well as DNC supporters, and Hindu and Indian Americans holding state and federal level public office were invited to participate in the meeting. Organizations and individuals included:

Hindu American Foundation

American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin

American India Foundation

Art of Living

Asian American Hotel Owners\' Association

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 Political Action Committee

Hindu Mandir Executives Committee

Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh

India Development and Relief Fund

Indian American Community Foundation

Indiaspora

Indo-American Kashmir Forum

Indicorps

International Society for Krishna Consciousness

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

Kumar Bharve, Chairman, Environment & Transportation Committee, Maryland General Assembly

Rep Keith Ellison Releases Statement about Hindus