India in danger of becoming Hindu nationalist State: U.S. Congressman

The Congressman also highlighted some other countries, including Egypt where he said thousands of political prisoners were languishing in jail.

India is facing the danger of becoming a Hindu nationalist State, Andy Levin, an outgoing Democratic Congressman, said on Thursday.

Describing himself as a “lifelong human rights advocate,” the 62-year-old Congressman, in his last speech on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives, said the U.S. has had more success in human rights, although the situation was dire in many parts of the world.

“I have been a vocal advocate for human rights in places like India, which is in danger of becoming a Hindu nationalist State rather than a secular democracy, the world's largest democracy,” alleged Mr. Levin, who represented the ninth Congressional District from Michigan. In the next Congress, it will be represented by Lisa McClain of the Republican Party.

“I am a lover of Hinduism, a lover of Jainism, Buddhism and other religions that were born in India, but we need to protect the rights of all people there. Whether they're Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, Jews, Christians, Jains,” Mr. Levin, said.

The Congressman also highlighted some other countries, including Egypt where he said thousands of political prisoners were languishing in jail.

“Let me mention just a few highlights. The House passed my bipartisan resolution condemning the coup in Burma (Myanmar) and we have continued oversight of the very troubling human rights situation there as well as the inspiring efforts of the Burmese people to resist repression,” he said.

“Indeed, my first foreign trip as a congressman was to Bangladesh to visit Rohingya refugees just over the border from Burma there,” Mr. Levin said.