New Delhi - Tensions rise as Indian-American politician Kshama Sawant faces repeated visa denials from the Indian government, which she claims are acts of political retaliation tied to her outspoken activism. Despite her attempts to visit her critically ill mother, the Modi administration continues to leave her waiting for answers.
Sawant, renowned for championing Seattle’s historic ban on caste-based discrimination, has applied for Indian visas three times since May 2024, with denials coming each time. Her latest application for emergency entry, submitted on January 9, 2025, alongside her husband Calvin Priest, was met with silence. Sawant’s mother, Vasundhara Ramanujam, 82, is grappling with multiple health issues, prompting her urgent plea for travel.
“My application for an e-visa was rejected on May 29, 2024. I applied again for an e-visa, and it was also rejected on June 7th, 2024...,” Sawant shared with The Mooknayak, emphasizing the lack of explanation provided for the rejections.
Despite her thorough attempts to communicate the urgency of her family situation, including submitting medical documentation, Sawant reported little more than automated responses from the authorities. “We were told at… the Consulate General of India… we could expect a response within one or two days. After one week of no response, we tried to follow up and received no answers,” she recounted, expressing frustration over this bureaucratic ordeal.
Her activism has allegedly put her at odds with the Modi government. When asked if her role against caste legislation could be linked to the visa issues, she responded affirmatively, noting, “There seems to be no other plausible explanation at this point than political rejection by the BJP government.”
Meanwhile, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Congress MP, took to the stage at a rally in Chandni Chowk on February 1, 2025, defending the legacy of the late Sheila Dikshit. She underscored Dikshit’s significant contributions to Delhi, such as improving drinking water and sewer systems, and criticized the current political climate, stating, “80% of Prime Minister Modi's speech ends in criticizing others.”
Recounting how Dikshit worked tirelessly for the people, she retorted against accusations of corruption thrown by AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal, remarking, “None of the allegations were proved.” Gandhi positioned the blame game as detrimental to societal unity, highlighting Modi's tendency to invoke past leaders as scapegoats.
Adding to this political tumult, Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan campaigned vigorously for the BJP, addressing gatherings where he flagged issues surrounding AAP’s governance, claiming, “They deceived the people of Delhi… the roads are not good, the water is not clean.” His remarks arrive at a pivotal time as Delhi gears up for assembly elections, with public sentiment appearing to sway against the current government.
Pradhan expressed confidence, assuring his supporters: “I am confident there will be change… the people of Delhi will trust PM Modi's guarantee.”
Prime Minister Modi himself has stepped temporarily back onto the political stage, launching attacks against the AAP's governance, accusing the party of stalling development and using Delhi as its political bank. At a recent rally, he insisted voters must elect, “a double-engine government,” inferring collaboration with the central government is pivotal for progress.
“Delhi does not need confrontational politics but one working with the Centre,” Modi contended, drawing support from the gathered crowds as he championed plans for restoring Delhi's environmental systems.
With less than two weeks until the assembly elections, Sawant's situation puts the spotlight on the Modi government, as activists and political figures alike voice their concerns over the treatment of dissenters. Several responses from community leaders and scholars have echoed calls for compassion, emphasizing the humanitarian aspect lost amid the political gamesmanship.
“Kshama's mother is on her deathbed and longs to see her one last time. Those responsible for issuing the visa must act with compassion,” said anti-caste activist Anil H. Wagde, reflecting broader sentiment among critics of the government’s visa policies.
With accusations and counter-accusations defining the lead-up to the Delhi assembly elections, the political arena remains charged, driving voters to reconsider their allegiances as they seek clarity amid the chaos. The contrasting challenges faced by Sawant and the criticisms laid down by leaders reflect the intensifying scrutiny of the Modi administration as it approaches another pivotal electoral test for governance and accountability.