What’s the ‘Khalistan’ row over Harmeet Dhillon, Trump’s pick for assistant AG?

United States President-elect Donald Trump’s nomination of Harmeet Dhillon as the US assistant attorney general for civil rights has turned heads, with her views on Indian and Sikh-related issues drawing significant scrutiny.

Dhillon, a prominent Republican activist and attorney, is set to play a pivotal role in the Department of Justice’s civil rights agenda, but her controversial comments and past actions have brought her under the spotlight.

Trump announced Dhillon’s nomination on his platform Truth Social, describing her as a “tireless defender of our Constitutional Rights” who will enforce civil rights and election laws “fairly and firmly.”

Trump praised her extensive legal career, highlighting cases where she fought against Big Tech censorship, defended religious freedoms during COVID-19 lockdowns, and took on “woke” corporate policies.

“Harmeet is one of the top election lawyers in the country, fighting to ensure that all, and ONLY, legal votes are counted,” Trump stated. He also highlighted her importance as a member of the Sikh religious community.

If confirmed by the Senate, Dhillon will become the second Indian American to hold this position, following Vanita Gupta, who served under former US President Barack Obama and later as associate attorney general under US President Joe Biden.

Dhillon expressed gratitude for the nomination, writing on X (formerly Twitter): “It has been my dream to serve our great country, and I am excited to join an incredible team of lawyers led by @PamBondi. I cannot wait to get to work!”

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I'm extremely honored by President Trump's nomination to assist with our nation's civil rights agenda. It has been my dream to be able to serve our great country, and I am so excited to be part of an incredible team of lawyers led by @PamBondi. I cannot wait to get to work!

I… pic.twitter.com/L2NCA9m987

— Harmeet K. Dhillon (@HarmeetKDhillon) December 10, 2024

What is the ‘Khalistan’ row around Dhillon?

Dhillon’s appointment has been met with mixed reactions, especially due to her vocal criticism of the Indian government on issues like the farmers’ protests and allegations involving Khalistani activists.

Born in Punjab, Dhillon has consistently voiced support for the farmers’ agitation against India’s farm laws.

“As the Punjab-born descendant of farmers, my heart breaks to see Punjabi farmers assaulted for protesting Indian government’s pro-big corporation farm bill that will destroy their farms, way of life, and culture. Hear them, meet with them, & compromise, PM Modi,” she posted on X during the height of the protests in 2020.

She criticised the Indian government for actions such as internet shutdowns and suppression of dissent during the protests. In a February 2023 post, she reiterated her support, saying, “I stand with the #FarmersProtests!”

Dhillon’s remarks intensified following the June 2023 killing of pro-Khalistan leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada, which escalated India-Canada diplomatic tensions.

Referring to a Wall Street Journal report, Dhillon accused India of sending “death squads” to target Sikh activists in North America. She wrote, “India has sent death squads to target North American Sikhs outspoken on civil and human rights conditions in Punjab, both to Canada and now the US. Will our government do anything about it, or just pander endlessly over artificial DEI nonsense? Lives are at risk.”

Her comments echoed similar accusations made by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau against the Indian government. She also highlighted reports implicating an Indian intelligence operative in a plot to assassinate Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a pro-Khalistan activist based in the US. “Our government refuses to provide details. Why?” she posted, accusing the Biden administration of inaction.

The US Department of Justice charged Indian citizen Vikash Yadav, a former RAW official, with conspiracy to kill Pannun. Dhillon called attention to these developments, questioning the Indian government’s role in targeting Sikh activists and urging US authorities to act decisively.

Although the assistant attorney general for civil rights does not oversee such cases, Dhillon’s public stance on these issues could influence perceptions of her neutrality and priorities. Her critics argue that her outspoken opinions may complicate US-India relations, while her supporters see her as an advocate for global civil liberties.

How will Dhillon operate?

As a prominent attorney, Dhillon has represented high-profile conservative causes and figures. She founded the Center for American Liberty, a nonprofit focused on defending civil liberties against perceived overreach by corporations, governments, and leftist groups. Her cases include:

• Suing the University of California, Berkeley, for allegedly suppressing free speech.
• Representing a White man who claimed he was fired by Google for criticising its diversity programs.
• Filing lawsuits against California, New Jersey, and Virginia during the COVID-19 pandemic over restrictions on religious gatherings.
• Taking on Antifa for allegedly attacking a journalist.

During the 2020 US presidential election, Dhillon was a legal adviser to Trump’s campaign and played a key role in election litigation. She also ran unsuccessfully for chair of the Republican National Committee in 2023, advocating for a more Trump-aligned direction for the party.

Dhillon’s nomination signals a shift in the Department of Justice’s civil rights agenda, focusing on conservative priorities. Her track record of challenging pandemic restrictions, supporting right-wing causes, and litigating election issues reflects a departure from traditional approaches to civil rights enforcement.

With her confirmation pending Senate approval, all eyes are on Dhillon’s appointment by incoming President-elect Donald Trump.

With inputs from agencies