Tag: Ro Khanna

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Ramaswamy Hails Ro Khanna as Solid, Calls for Debate

Vivek Ramaswamy.(photo:twitter.com/VivekGRamaswamy)

Calling the 47-year-old California congressman a “solid dude”, Ramaswamy, 38, responded by saying that he’d be glad to have a discussion…reports Asian Lite News

Fresh out of the second Republican primary debate, presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy is set to debate with Democratic congressman and fellow Indian-American Ro Khanna on race, identity, and the American dream.

Khanna took up Ramaswamy’s offer of debate with “a smart Democrat who’s willing”, and wrote to him on X: “The University of Chicago Institute of Politics wants to have a civil discourse with the two of us on race, identity, and the American dream”.

“I accepted. I assume, as a speech advocate, you’re game @VivekGRamaswamy?” Khanna posted this week.

Calling the 47-year-old California congressman a “solid dude”, Ramaswamy, 38, responded by saying that he’d be glad to have a discussion.

“You’re a solid dude with whom I disagree on a lot, and I’d be glad to have a discussion at some point, just need to balance it in the context of campaign priorities. If you are willing to do it in New Hampshire, I’m game,” the anti-woke crusader wrote on X.

According to the San Francisco Chronicle, the debate has set a trend of GOP candidates debating Democratic politicians who aren’t currently running for the White House but are mulling a 2028 run.

The agreement between the two Indian-Americans came after Ramaswamy excoriated the Republican National Committee (RNC) on X for preventing “open debate” between him and fellow candidate Chris Christie in the September 27 debate.

When X owner Elon Musk suggested the two debate live on the platform, Ramaswamy said on October 4 that they would be unable to do so because of RNC rules, but would “go for it with a smart Democrat who’s willing”.

Ramaswamy said that the debate was supposed to be between himself and independent presidential candidate Cornel West, who pulled out.

Both Ramaswamy and Khanna hold different views on a number of key issues in the US — climate change, gun reforms, and abortion rights.

According to The New York Times, there is “a huge ideological gap” between the two Indian Americans.

Khanna is a member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, and Ramaswamy, “has espoused some of the most far-right positions in the Republican presidential field”, The Times noted.

In a display of bipartisan spirit last month, Ramaswamy backed Khanna’s five-point plan to reform the US Congress by agreeing to support the fight against corruption in government and removal of substantial financial influence from politics.

Khanna was quick to acknowledge the biotech entrepreneur’s support, saying that he hopes to build a “cohesive, just, and multiracial America” with a new generation in the field of politics.

In July this year, Khanna came out in support of Ramaswamy after a televangelist targeted his Hindu faith and asked citizens not to vote for him.

ALSO READ: Vivek Ramaswamy Eyes Stronger India Ties

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-Top News USA

Ro Khanna receives democracy award for workplace achievement

Born in 1976 in Philadelphia to Indian immigrants, Khanna represents the 17th District of California, which covers communities in Silicon Valley…reports Asian Lite News

Indian-American Congressman Ro Khanna, who is leading a delegation to India on Independence Day, has been honored in the US with a Democracy Award for outstanding achievement for the category of “Life in Congress”-Workplace Environment.

The category highlights offices that have established both formal policies and informal cultures that enhance the work-life fit and professional development of their staff.

Presented by the Congressional Management Foundation, this is Khanna’s second Democracy Award, with his office winning the same honour in the “Constituent Service” category in 2019.

“It’s an honour to receive this award for best workplace environment in Congress. I want to congratulate my incredible staff for working alongside me to create a positive and inclusive work environment,” Khanna said in a statement.

“As a strong supporter of workers’ rights, it’s important to me to live my values and ensure that all employees in my office have fair wages and benefits and are treated with dignity and respect.”

Born in 1976 in Philadelphia to Indian immigrants, Khanna represents the 17th District of California, which covers communities in Silicon Valley.

“I’ve never worked in a more fun, kind, and people-centered workplace. We celebrate each other’s wins and help one another work through challenges. I’m grateful to work, learn and laugh alongside such wonderful colleagues,” said Sam Elghanayan, legislative aide in Khanna’s office.

Citing its reasons for choosing the Indian-American Congressman for the award, the Congressional Management Foundation said that his office appears to be an open and collaborative workplace, with Khanna cultivating an individual relationship with every staff member, encouraging staff to offer their recommendations and to ask him questions directly.

At present, Khanna is leading a bipartisan congressional delegation to India along with Congressman Michael Waltz — both co-chairs of the Congressional Caucus on India and Indian-Americans.

In his interviews with the local media, Khanna has supported India’s position on China as well as Khalistan, adding that India-US ties are stronger than ever and one of the most defining partnerships of the 21st century.

The Congressman is expected to discuss issues such as defence ties, economic partnership, pluralism and minority rights.

ALSO READ-Indian-American economist wins Harvard’s top prize

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US Congressman slams Rahul disqualification

Ro Khanna

Flagging off Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his tweet, Ro Khanna said “you have the power to reverse this decision for the the sake of Indian democracy”.

Top Indian-American Congressman Ro Khanna said the expulsion of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi from Parliament is a “deep betrayal of Gandhian philosophy”.

Taking to Twitter on Friday, the Democratic Congressman said: “The expulsion of Rahul Gandhi from Parliament is a deep betrayal of Gandhian philosophy and India’s deepest values. This is not what my grandfather sacrificed years in jail for.”

Flagging off Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his tweet, Khanna said “you have the power to reverse this decision for the the sake of Indian democracy”.

The tweet came as a reaction to a New York Times report, which said that “the expulsion of Rahul Gandhi is a devastating blow to the once-powerful Indian National Congress party”.

The report further stated that the senior Congress leader and “several other politicians are now in jeopardy through India’s legal system”.

On Friday, Rahul Gandhi was disqualified from the Lok Sabha a day after a Surat court convicted him for two years in a defamation case.

He has been granted a 30-day bail in the case to allow him appeal in a higher court.

Congress MP Rahul Gandhi reaches Surat District Court in connection with the 2019 criminal defamation case filed against him over his alleged ‘Modi Surname’ remarks, in Surat on Thursday. He is found guilty by the court and sentenced to two years imprisonment, to which he was later granted bail. (ANI Photo)

“I am fighting for the voice of India and am ready to pay any price,” Rahul had tweeted in Hindi reacting to his disqualification.

“We will fight this battle both legally and politically. We will not be intimidated or silenced. Instead of a JPC into the PM-linked Adani MahaMegaScam, Rahul Gandhi stands disqualified. Indian Democracy Om Shanti,” Jairam Ramesh, Congress General Secretary in-charge Communications, wrote in a tweet.

ALSO READ: Opposition parties support Rahul

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Ro Khanna to co-lead House India caucus

The India Caucus is a bipartisan coalition of lawmakers that was established in 1993 to bolster New Delhi-Washington relations…reports Asian Lite News

Indian-American Congressman Ro Khanna will be the co-chairman of the Congressional Caucus on India and Indian-Americans in the 118th Congress.

Khanna, 46, a Democrat who represents California’s 17th Congressional District, will co-chair the Caucus with Republican House colleague Mike Waltz.

“The Indian-American diaspora can play such an important role in helping strengthen the US-India partnership. I think this is a historic moment for our community. I think we’re really emerging and coming into our own as a strong voice,” Khanna told NBC News.

The India Caucus is a bipartisan coalition of lawmakers that was established in 1993 to bolster New Delhi-Washington relations.

Prior to Khanna, Congressman Ami Bera was the first Indian-American to be elected as the co-chair of the Caucus in 2015-2016 during the 115th Congress.

“I’m going to try to make it about not just us India, but also the Indian-American community and highlighting the contributions of that community,” Khanna told NBC News.

Indian-Americans are the second-largest immigrant group in the US, with their population estimated to be around four million.

As the profile of the community has grown, so too has its social, economic, and political influence.

There are presently five Indian-Americans serving in the Congress, popularly known as the ‘Samosa Caucus’ — Ami Bera, Ro Khanna, Raja Krishnamoorthi, Pramila Jayapal, and Shri Thanedar.

Khanna’s appointment comes amidst reports that he may be looking at a potential presidential run in 2024.

His recent moves have sparked speculation among Democrats in several key states that the Congressman has his eyes set on a higher office, according to Politico.

“If President Biden didn’t seek re-election, his name would have to be on the list of top contenders,” Stacey Walker, founder of the Iowa-based firm Sage Strategies, said.

Khanna — son of immigrant parents from Punjab — is seen as one of the leaders of his party’s progressive wing, and a relative newcomer on the scene who has broad appeal and formidable skills.

On US-India relations, he said last month that the relationship between the two democracies could define the 21st century.

Khanna had said in November 2022 that the US needs a strong defence and strategic partnership with India, especially in the face of escalating aggression from China.

In September last year, he had introduced a standalone bill in the US House of Representatives seeking a waiver to India against the punitive CAATSA sanctions.

ALSO READ-India Caucus bats for robust ties with US