California state Assemblyman Tony Mendoza’s ACR 85, a resolution commemorating the Republic Day of India, has not yet been granted the right to a floor ceremony despite the fact that the measure was introduced in December, according the lawmaker.

Mendoza initially requested a floor ceremony Dec. 7 commemorating this historical day and has since then been trying to get approval to honor the Indian American community. 

“The disrespect shown to the Indo-American community is a blatant dismissal of their importance,” Mendoza charged in a press release. “This inaction by Majority Leader Calderon is politically motivated and demonstrates a sad state of affairs when personal vendettas and political ambitions are given more weight than the recognition of important historical events.”

Jan. 26, the original date for the floor ceremony requested by Mendoza, was denied Jan. 11. He is now requesting that ACR 85 be presented in a floor ceremony with a vote to recognize this important day on Feb. 2. 

A floor ceremony would allow leaders and representatives from the Indian American community across California the opportunity to be recognized on the floor of the state capitol.

“This floor ceremony would be a very important recognition of the contributions of the Indo-American community and the world’s largest populous democracy,” Aparna Hande, president of the Southern California Chapter of the Federation of Indo-American Association, said. 

“I am hopeful that Mr. Calderon will support the Indo-Americans throughout California by allowing this floor ceremony to take place and Assemblyman Mendoza’s ACR 85 to move forward. Assemblyman Mendoza has been a strong advocate of the Indo-American community since his days on the Artesia City Council.”

ACR 85 recognizes Jan. 26, 2012, as Republic Day of India, the anniversary of the date on which the Constitution of India became the nation’s governing document in 1950.