Congressional Statements

Rep. Ackerman Applauds Indian Democracy

Press Release
October 7, 1999

Congressman Gary L. Ackerman (D-N.Y.), Cochairman of the Congressional Caucus on India and Indian Americans, tonight congratulated the people of India for yet again demonstrating their abiding faith and passion for the democratic process and rule of law by freely, fairly and openly electing a new national government of their choice.

"I salute the people of India for yet again being the beacon of democracy in an area of the world where totalitarianism, military rule and fundamentalism have far too often been the rule rather the exception. India serves as a shining example for all the world to see that it is possible to be an emerging economy and have a democratic government founded on rule of law. I commend the Indian electorate for its strong turn out and for the peaceful manner in which the election was conducted, particularly in the light of the attempts by extremist elements who tried in vain to disrupt the process in some parts of the country," Rep. Ackerman added.

The New York lawmaker, who has visited India several times, said: "In particular, I want to take this opportunity to congratulate Prime Minister Vajpayee on his personal reelection from Lucknow as well for his party's strong showing at the polls. The voters, obviously, have given him a strong vote of approval. The voters also have publicly reaffirmed their faith in his government's policies."

Rep. Ackerman, who is a leading member of the House International Relations Committee, said: "With the election now behind him, I am hopeful he will return to his previous important work in making certain India is both strong and secure and also reaching out to achieve peaceful relations with its neighbors. I am also hopeful that the Prime Minister will begin a series of bold initiatives to further reform the Indian economy and strengthen and expand trade, political and strategic relationships with the United States."

"The world's oldest democracy and the world largest democracy have much in common. On the eve of the millennium, now is the time for India and the United States to seize the opportunity to redefine their ties and realize their common interests by allowing the relations between our two great nations to bloom to full potential," Rep Ackerman said.