MID-HUDSON- Following a controversial rally held in Times Square by the New York City chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) two Mid-Hudson Assemblymembers are clashing on social media over the group’s position on the Israeli conflict.
Assemblywoman Sarahana Shrestha (D, Esopus), a first-term state legislator, is the only state-elected official from the region who is a member of the DSA. She drew harsh criticism from her colleague, Assemblyman Chris Tague (R, Schoharie) for the DSA’s support of the Palestinian cause.
The New York City chapter of the DSA wrote, “In Solidarity with the Palestinian people and their right to resist 75 years of occupation and apartheid. Free Palestine!”
In response to the rally, Tague took to X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, writing, “I also call on the [Assembly] Majority to remove or condemn members of their conference who voice support for Hamas or Democratic Socialists of America. This is not a time to stand idly watching events unfold, it’s time to act and prevent the destruction from leaking into our nation.”
Shrestha responded to Tague’s attack, writing, “Here’s Republican Assemblymember Chris Tague equating Hamas with DSA and calling for my removal. Join DSA! We have a world to win!” Shrestha included a link that connected to the DSA’s fundraising page.
Tague isn’t the only one calling out Shrestha for her affiliation with the DSA. An anonymous change.org petition is being circulated online, calling on Shrestha to quit her affiliation with the DSA or resign her position in the State Assembly. As of Sunday, the petition had gained little traction.
Several calls made last week to Shrestha to discuss her reaction to the New York City DSA’s protest went unanswered.
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