Kshama Sawant, an Indian-American politician, had planned to visit her mother, who was ill in New Delhi, but was denied a visa by the Modi government. Known for her outspoken criticism of both the government and its policies, Sawant has frequently condemned the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). She has been particularly vocal about issues such as the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), the National Register of Citizens (NRC), and the Modi government's anti-people stance.
For over a decade, Sawant has been active in the U.S. political scene, especially in Seattle, where she has made a significant impact. Despite facing challenges in her personal visa application, Sawant shared the news of her visa denial on social media, expressing frustration with the Modi government's refusal. Her political journey began after earning a computer science degree from Mumbai University and a Ph.D. in economics from North Carolina State University in the U.S. Before stepping into politics, Sawant worked as an economics professor. She was drawn into activism and joined the left-wing political party, Socialist Alternative, in the U.S.
Sawant's career in politics has been marked by her focus on social justice and inequality. She contested elections for the Washington State House of Representatives but did not win. Later, she won a seat on the Seattle City Council, where she became a prominent advocate for workers' rights and progressive policies. In the council, Sawant led successful efforts to pass legislation tackling racial discrimination. One notable achievement was her involvement in passing a bill against discrimination based on caste in Seattle. Her activism continued as she worked on several laws benefiting marginalized communities.
In addition to fighting for racial and caste-based equality, Sawant has been an outspoken critic of laws that negatively impact women, Muslims, Dalits, indigenous people, and the LGBTQ+ community. She has raised concerns about the discrimination faced by these groups under Indian laws, particularly under the Modi government's rule. As a member of the Seattle City Council, Sawant introduced a resolution condemning the CAA and NRC, echoing her criticisms of India's policies and calling for international attention to the human rights violations taking place.
Throughout her career, Sawant has maintained a strong commitment to fighting inequality, both in the U.S. and in India. Her work, particularly around the issues of racial justice and caste-based discrimination, has garnered significant attention, placing her at the forefront of progressive politics in Seattle. As she continues her work, her advocacy remains an important voice for marginalized communities, challenging systemic oppression wherever it exists.