Andy Levin, a 62-year-old departing Democrat from the House of Representatives, stated that India faces the risk of becoming a Hindu nationalist state.
In his final statement on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives, the Congressman, who described himself as a “lifelong human rights supporter,” stated that the United States had had more progress in human rights, despite the catastrophic condition in many parts of the world.
Mr. Levin represented the ninth Congressional District from Michigan. In the next Congress, he will be represented by Lisa McClain of the Republican Party.
“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. I am a lover of Hinduism, Jainism, Buddhism and other religions 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 mentioned several other nations, such as Egypt, where thousands of political prisoners languished.
“Allow me to name a few highlights. “The House adopted my bipartisan resolution condemning the coup in Burma (Myanmar), and we continue to monitor the extremely alarming human rights situation there, as well as the remarkable efforts of the Burmese people to resist repression,” he stated.
Mr. Levin’s first international trip as a lawmaker was to Bangladesh to meet Rohingya refugees across the border from Burma.