Taiwan Candidate?s Anti-India Billboard Sparks Row

A campaign billboard displayed by independent Kaohsiung City Council candidate Lee Hung-yi has triggered widespread criticism in Taiwan, with activists, political leaders and members of the Indian community accusing the campaign of promoting racial discrimination. 

The controversy began after images of the billboard circulated online ahead of Taiwan?s local elections scheduled later this year.

The poster featured an inverted Indian flag and an image



of a turbaned man under prohibition symbols, signalling opposition to Taiwan?s policy of hiring migrant workers from India.

Lee, a ward chief from Kaohsiung?s Siaogang District contesting the city council polls as an independent candidate, defended the campaign in remarks to Taiwan?s Central News Agency (CNA). 

He said he was not against migrant labour in general, but specifically opposed Taiwan?s move to admit more workers from India.