A political firestorm has erupted in Florida after a Republican state senator told an Indian-born Democratic colleague to "go back to your country" in a social media post that has drawn widespread condemnation.
Controversial Social Media Exchange
The controversy began when State Senator Jay Collins, a Tampa Republican, commented on a post by Democratic State Representative Dr. Sagar Bhandari, who immigrated to the United States from India. Collins's remark, which has since been deleted, directly told the Democratic lawmaker: "Go back to your country."
The exchange quickly escalated when Collins doubled down, posting: "If you don't like the way we do things in America, you are more than welcome to go back to your country."
Immediate Political Backlash
The posts triggered immediate outrage from Democratic leaders and civil rights organisations. Florida Democratic Party Chairwoman Nikki Fried condemned the remarks as "disgusting" and "racist," demanding an immediate apology.
"This kind of rhetoric has no place in our political discourse," Fried stated. "Telling a naturalised American citizen to go back to their country is not just offensive - it undermines the very principles our nation was built upon."
Defiant Response from Republican Lawmaker
Rather than apologising, Senator Collins defended his comments, claiming they were taken out of context. In a statement, he argued he was criticising Representative Bhandari's "socialist policies" rather than targeting his immigrant background.
"I have nothing but respect for legal immigrants who come to this country seeking freedom," Collins said. "My issue is with the socialist policies that Representative Bhandari supports, which would turn America into the very countries people are fleeing from."
Growing Tensions in Florida Politics
The incident highlights escalating political tensions in the Sunshine State, where immigration has become a central issue. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has championed aggressive immigration policies, including controversial measures to transport migrants to Democratic-led states.
Representative Bhandari, who became a US citizen in 2019, responded to the controversy by emphasising his commitment to his adopted country. "I chose America as my home," he said. "I pay taxes here, I serve in public office here, and I will not be silenced by those who question my right to participate in our democracy."
Broader Implications for Political Discourse
Political analysts suggest this incident reflects a worrying trend in American politics, where personal attacks based on ethnicity or origin are becoming increasingly normalised. The controversy emerges as Florida prepares for crucial state elections, with immigration expected to remain a dominant issue.
Civil rights organisations have called for greater accountability in political discourse, warning that such rhetoric could have dangerous consequences beyond the political arena.
