<p>Indian National Congress (INC) leader Rahul Gandhi, currently on a trip to the US, met prominent lawmakers of the country at the Rayburn House Office Building in Washington on Tuesday (Sep 10). Among the political bigwigs, Gandhi's meeting with&nbsp;Congresswoman Ilhan Omar, known for her anti-India stance has become the centre of controversy.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Gandhi, who has been interacting with the diaspora as well as students and faculty at various universities has already received flak for his comments regarding the Sikh community. His meeting with Omar, known for taking pronounced anti-India positions is expected to invite the opposition parties to drive into him.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Shri <a href="https://twitter.com/RahulGandhi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RahulGandhi</a> met with U.S. lawmakers at the Rayburn House Office Building, Washington, D.C.<br />
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Attendees:<br />
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•Hosted by Congressman Bradley James Sherman<br />
•Congressman Jonathan Jackson<br />
•Congressman Ro Khanna<br />
•Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi<br />
•Congresswoman Barbara Lee… <a href="https://t.co/zVUJz5VmrW">pic.twitter.com/zVUJz5VmrW</a></p>
— Congress (@INCIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/INCIndia/status/1833557561640956169?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 10, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<h2><strong>BJP reacts</strong></h2>

<p>Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) immediately latched onto the opportunity and called out Gandhi for trying to play divisive politics.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"After spewing venom against Sikhs &amp; running down India on foreign soil now Rahul Gandhi meets &amp; engages with anti-India Ilhan Omar," BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla wrote on X (formerly Twitter).</p>

<p>"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?'</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">After spewing venom against Sikhs &amp; running down India on foreign soil now Rahul Gandhi meets &amp; 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 &amp;… <a href="https://t.co/3YndaPSLa4">pic.twitter.com/3YndaPSLa4</a></p>
— Shehzad Jai Hind (Modi Ka Parivar) (@Shehzad_Ind) <a href="https://twitter.com/Shehzad_Ind/status/1833709663931499002?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 11, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<h2><strong>Who is Ilhan Omar?</strong></h2>

<p>Omar is a Democrat leader, currently&nbsp;serving as the US representative for Minnesota’s 5th congressional district since 2019. The&nbsp;annual House financial disclosure last year revealed that Omar's controversial visit to Pakistan and&nbsp;Pakistan-occupied Kashmir in 2022 was sponsored by the Pakistani government.&nbsp;</p>

<p>During her visit, Omar engaged in discussions with then-Pakistan prime minister Shahbaz Sharif and Hina Rabbani Khar, former minister of state for foreign affairs.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-congresswoman-ilhan-omars-controversial-visit-to-pok-sponsored-by-islamabad-626645"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;US Congresswoman Ilhan Omar's controversial visit to PoK was sponsored by Pakistan</strong></a></p>

<p>In the same year, Omar brought a resolution in the US Congress criticising New Delhi for alleged human rights abuses, particularly targeting Muslims. The Democrat leader demanded that India be designated as a "country of particular concern".&nbsp;</p>

<p>Omar also batted for the White House to support Canada's investigation into India's alleged role in the killing of Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar's death.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Indian National Congress (INC) leader Rahul Gandhi, currently on a trip to the US, met prominent lawmakers of the country at the Rayburn House Office Building in Washington on Tuesday (Sep 10).

Indian National Congress (INC) leader Rahul Gandhi, currently on a trip to the US, met prominent lawmakers of the country at the Rayburn House Office Building in Washington on Tuesday (Sep 10). Among the political bigwigs, Gandhi's meeting with Congresswoman Ilhan Omar, known for her anti-India stance has become the centre of controversy. Gandhi, who has been interacting with the diaspora as well as students and faculty at various universities has already received flak for his comments regarding the Sikh community. His meeting with Omar, known for taking pronounced anti-India positions is expected to invite the opposition parties to drive into him. Shri @RahulGandhi met with U.S. lawmakers at the Rayburn House Office Building, Washington, D.C. Attendees: •Hosted by Congressman Bradley James Sherman •Congressman Jonathan Jackson •Congressman Ro Khanna •Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi •Congresswoman Barbara Lee… pic.twitter.com/zVUJz5VmrW — Congress (@INCIndia) September 10, 2024 × BJP reacts Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) immediately latched onto the opportunity and called out Gandhi for trying to play divisive politics. "After spewing venom against Sikhs & running down India on foreign soil now Rahul Gandhi meets & engages with anti-India Ilhan Omar," BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla wrote on X (formerly Twitter). "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?' 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 &… pic.twitter.com/3YndaPSLa4 — Shehzad Jai Hind (Modi Ka Parivar) (@Shehzad_Ind) September 11, 2024 × Who is Ilhan Omar? Omar is a Democrat leader, currently serving as the US representative for Minnesota’s 5th congressional district since 2019. The annual House financial disclosure last year revealed that Omar's controversial visit to Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir in 2022 was sponsored by the Pakistani government. During her visit, Omar engaged in discussions with then-Pakistan prime minister Shahbaz Sharif and Hina Rabbani Khar, former minister of state for foreign affairs. Also read | US Congresswoman Ilhan Omar's controversial visit to PoK was sponsored by Pakistan In the same year, Omar brought a resolution in the US Congress criticising New Delhi for alleged human rights abuses, particularly targeting Muslims. The Democrat leader demanded that India be designated as a "country of particular concern". Omar also batted for the White House to support Canada's investigation into India's alleged role in the killing of Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar's death. (With inputs from agencies)

Who is Ilhan Omar, US Congresswoman who met Rahul Gandhi in Washington

<p>US Representative Ilhan Omar clinched the Democratic Party nomination for a fourth term on Tuesday (Aug 13), in a victory for progressives after losses in party primaries by two fellow members of the group nicknamed "The Squad."</p>

<p>Omar defeated former Minneapolis city council member Don Samuels in Minnesota's 5th District Democratic primary.</p>

<p>With 216 of 217 precincts reporting results, Omar was leading Samuels 56.2 per cent-42.9 per cent, according to Minnesota Secretary of State tallies.</p>

<p>At the end of a spirited campaign, Samuels acknowledged Omar's victory in a telephone interview, but said the results showed "there are still people who are feeling left out of the congresswoman's leadership."</p>

<p>Omar's robust campaign fundraising likely played a significant role in her victory.</p>

<p>She collected $6.8 million since the 2022 election, more than double the typical House member's reelection campaign and well over Samuels' $1.4 million, according to federal campaign disclosures.</p>

<p>"Because Omar had a tough primary last cycle (the 2022 election), she was prepared this time around with a strong ground game and excellent fundraising numbers that far outpaced Samuels," said Ryan Dawkins, a political science professor at Minnesota's Carleton College.</p>

<p>The Minnesota lawmaker, one of four progressive women whose 2018 election created The Squad, is expected to easily win the Nov. 5 election. Control of Congress will be up for grabs as Vice President Kamala Harris and Republican Donald Trump seek the presidency.</p>

<p>Fellow Squad members Representatives Jamaal Bowman of New York and Cori Bush of Missouri lost their party primaries over the past few months, facing opponents who had won substantial support from the pro-Israel fundraising group AIPAC.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-republicans-oust-ilhan-omar-from-high-profile-house-committee-558434"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;US: Republicans oust Ilhan Omar from high-profile House committee</strong></a></p>

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<p>Bowman, Bush and Omar had all expressed opposition to President Joe Biden's support for Israel in its war against Hamas militants in Gaza, but AIPAC as of mid-July had given just $25 to Samuels' campaign, according to data collected by Open Secrets. Bowman and Bush's losses will whittle away The Squad's ranks from its peak of nine members.</p>

<p>They also reflect a Democratic Party that has backed away from some of its furthest-left causes, like calls for providing government-backed healthcare for all Americans or talk of defunding police, which came to the fore during the 2020 Democratic presidential primary before Biden secured the nomination.</p>

<p>The absence of a significant 2024 Democratic primary before Biden ended his candidacy last month, passing the torch to Harris, meant that further-left candidates such as independent Senator Bernie Sanders did not drive the debate.</p>

<p>"I understood going into this election cycle that the progressive movement was going to be burdened because of the absence of somebody carrying the banner on the centre stage of American politics," said Alan Minsky, executive director of Progressive Democrats of America.</p>

<p>Nevertheless, he argued that progressive priorities, such as making prescription drugs and childcare more affordable still resonate with voters.</p>

<p>Omar and some fellow Squad members voted against some Biden priorities including the $1 trillion infrastructure bill signed into law in 2021. They mainly objected because it did not move in tandem with a bill to expand social programs, including childcare, as had been promised.</p>

<p>Unlike the Republican House Freedom Caucus, whose roughly three dozen members have repeatedly blocked their own party's priorities, members of The Squad have generally voted in step with fellow Democrats on legislation.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-congresswoman-ilhan-omars-controversial-visit-to-pok-sponsored-by-islamabad-626645"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;US Congresswoman Ilhan Omar's controversial visit to PoK was sponsored by Pakistan</strong></a></p>

<p>Omar, who arrived in the United States as a refugee from Somalia, describes her politics as "visionary, bold and loud" and says she has delivered millions of dollars in federal funds for community development in her district.</p>

<p>She argued she has paid close attention to her district's large immigrant population - including Somalis - in part by probing whether large banks discriminate against Muslim Americans.</p>

<p>She has faced criticism for antisemitic remarks, with House Republicans in 2023 voting to remove her from the Foreign Affairs Committee over a 2019 social media post suggesting that Israel's supporters were motivated by money rather than principle. Omar has apologized for that post.</p>

<p>Jamaica-born Samuels, a former toy developer and leader of a non-profit organization, had positioned himself as a pragmatic alternative, saying he agreed with many of Omar's policy stances, but not what he called her divisive governing style.</p>


US Representative Ilhan Omar clinched the Democratic Party nomination for a fourth term on Tuesday (Aug 13), in a victory for progressives after losses in party primaries by two fellow members of the group nicknamed "The Squad.

US Representative Ilhan Omar clinched the Democratic Party nomination for a fourth term on Tuesday (Aug 13), in a victory for progressives after losses in party primaries by two fellow members of the group nicknamed "The Squad." Omar defeated former Minneapolis city council member Don Samuels in Minnesota's 5th District Democratic primary. With 216 of 217 precincts reporting results, Omar was leading Samuels 56.2 per cent-42.9 per cent, according to Minnesota Secretary of State tallies. At the end of a spirited campaign, Samuels acknowledged Omar's victory in a telephone interview, but said the results showed "there are still people who are feeling left out of the congresswoman's leadership." Omar's robust campaign fundraising likely played a significant role in her victory. She collected $6.8 million since the 2022 election, more than double the typical House member's reelection campaign and well over Samuels' $1.4 million, according to federal campaign disclosures. "Because Omar had a tough primary last cycle (the 2022 election), she was prepared this time around with a strong ground game and excellent fundraising numbers that far outpaced Samuels," said Ryan Dawkins, a political science professor at Minnesota's Carleton College. The Minnesota lawmaker, one of four progressive women whose 2018 election created The Squad, is expected to easily win the Nov. 5 election. Control of Congress will be up for grabs as Vice President Kamala Harris and Republican Donald Trump seek the presidency. Fellow Squad members Representatives Jamaal Bowman of New York and Cori Bush of Missouri lost their party primaries over the past few months, facing opponents who had won substantial support from the pro-Israel fundraising group AIPAC. Watch | US: Republicans oust Ilhan Omar from high-profile House committee × Bowman, Bush and Omar had all expressed opposition to President Joe Biden's support for Israel in its war against Hamas militants in Gaza, but AIPAC as of mid-July had given just $25 to Samuels' campaign, according to data collected by Open Secrets. Bowman and Bush's losses will whittle away The Squad's ranks from its peak of nine members. They also reflect a Democratic Party that has backed away from some of its furthest-left causes, like calls for providing government-backed healthcare for all Americans or talk of defunding police, which came to the fore during the 2020 Democratic presidential primary before Biden secured the nomination. The absence of a significant 2024 Democratic primary before Biden ended his candidacy last month, passing the torch to Harris, meant that further-left candidates such as independent Senator Bernie Sanders did not drive the debate. "I understood going into this election cycle that the progressive movement was going to be burdened because of the absence of somebody carrying the banner on the centre stage of American politics," said Alan Minsky, executive director of Progressive Democrats of America. Nevertheless, he argued that progressive priorities, such as making prescription drugs and childcare more affordable still resonate with voters. Omar and some fellow Squad members voted against some Biden priorities including the $1 trillion infrastructure bill signed into law in 2021. They mainly objected because it did not move in tandem with a bill to expand social programs, including childcare, as had been promised. Unlike the Republican House Freedom Caucus, whose roughly three dozen members have repeatedly blocked their own party's priorities, members of The Squad have generally voted in step with fellow Democrats on legislation. Also read | US Congresswoman Ilhan Omar's controversial visit to PoK was sponsored by Pakistan Omar, who arrived in the United States as a refugee from Somalia, describes her politics as "visionary, bold and loud" and says she has delivered millions of dollars in federal funds for community development in her district. She argued she has paid close attention to her district's large immigrant population - including Somalis - in part by probing whether large banks discriminate against Muslim Americans. She has faced criticism for antisemitic remarks, with House Republicans in 2023 voting to remove her from the Foreign Affairs Committee over a 2019 social media post suggesting that Israel's supporters were motivated by money rather than principle. Omar has apologized for that post. Jamaica-born Samuels, a former toy developer and leader of a non-profit organization, had positioned himself as a pragmatic alternative, saying he agreed with many of Omar's policy stances, but not what he called her divisive governing style.

Controversial Democrat leader Ilhan Omar wins primary in Minnesota

<p>US Congresswoman Ilhan Omar's controversial visit to Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir in 2022 was sponsored by the Pakistani government, annual House financial disclosure shows. Omar, a prominent figure within the Democratic Party and known for her marked anti-India stance on various issues, visited Pakistan in April last year. The disclosure shows the Pakistani government funded the visit from 18-24 April, which included lodging and food.</p>

<p>During her visit, Omar engaged in discussions with then-Pakistan Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif and Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Hina Rabbani Khar. The talks centred around topics such as the Kashmir conflict and the Israel-Palestine issue. Omar also met with Imran Khan and visited Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, a move that was criticised by India's Ministry of External Affairs. Arindam Bagchi, the spokesperson for the Ministry, condemned Omar's actions, stating, "Violating our territorial integrity and sovereignty in its pursuit makes it ours. This visit is condemnable."</p>

<p>Omar's acceptance of the Pakistani government's sponsorship raises concerns about her objectivity, particularly due to her subsequent anti-India comments and actions. While US congresspersons are permitted to accept travel funding from foreign governments under the Mutual Educational and Cultural Exchange Act (MECEA), they are required to disclose such sponsorship in their annual financial disclosure statements. She is a member of the Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party, an affiliate of US President Biden's Democratic Party.</p>

<p>This year, Omar announced her decision not to attend a joint address by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the US Congress. Instead, she held a briefing with human rights groups on "record of repression" in India. Further, Omar introduced a resolution condemning human rights violations in India and violation&nbsp;of international religious freedom, as well as human rights violations in Punjab.</p>

<p>This isn't the first instance where Omar's foreign trips have stirred controversy. In November of the same year, she visited Qatar, with the Qatari government funding her travel. The Congresswoman's history of contentious statements has not gone unnoticed.</p>

<p>Her decision to boycott Israeli President Issac Herzog's speech and her marked anti-Israel stance has contributed to her reputation as a controversial figure. Omar's controversial remarks, widely criticised as antisemitic, led to her removal from the powerful US Foreign Affairs Committee. As the first Somali American and the first naturalised citizen of African birth in the United States Congress, she also holds the distinction of being one of the first two Muslim women, along with Rashida Tlaib, to serve in Congress.</p>

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US Congresswoman Ilhan Omar's controversial visit to Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir in 2022 was sponsored by the Pakistani government, annual House financial disclosure shows.

US Congresswoman Ilhan Omar's controversial visit to Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir in 2022 was sponsored by the Pakistani government, annual House financial disclosure shows. Omar, a prominent figure within the Democratic Party and known for her marked anti-India stance on various issues, visited Pakistan in April last year. The disclosure shows the Pakistani government funded the visit from 18-24 April, which included lodging and food. During her visit, Omar engaged in discussions with then-Pakistan Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif and Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Hina Rabbani Khar. The talks centred around topics such as the Kashmir conflict and the Israel-Palestine issue. Omar also met with Imran Khan and visited Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, a move that was criticised by India's Ministry of External Affairs. Arindam Bagchi, the spokesperson for the Ministry, condemned Omar's actions, stating, "Violating our territorial integrity and sovereignty in its pursuit makes it ours. This visit is condemnable." Omar's acceptance of the Pakistani government's sponsorship raises concerns about her objectivity, particularly due to her subsequent anti-India comments and actions. While US congresspersons are permitted to accept travel funding from foreign governments under the Mutual Educational and Cultural Exchange Act (MECEA), they are required to disclose such sponsorship in their annual financial disclosure statements. She is a member of the Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party, an affiliate of US President Biden's Democratic Party. This year, Omar announced her decision not to attend a joint address by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the US Congress. Instead, she held a briefing with human rights groups on "record of repression" in India. Further, Omar introduced a resolution condemning human rights violations in India and violation of international religious freedom, as well as human rights violations in Punjab. This isn't the first instance where Omar's foreign trips have stirred controversy. In November of the same year, she visited Qatar, with the Qatari government funding her travel. The Congresswoman's history of contentious statements has not gone unnoticed. Her decision to boycott Israeli President Issac Herzog's speech and her marked anti-Israel stance has contributed to her reputation as a controversial figure. Omar's controversial remarks, widely criticised as antisemitic, led to her removal from the powerful US Foreign Affairs Committee. As the first Somali American and the first naturalised citizen of African birth in the United States Congress, she also holds the distinction of being one of the first two Muslim women, along with Rashida Tlaib, to serve in Congress. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

US Congresswoman Ilhan Omar's controversial visit to PoK was sponsored by Pakistan