However, Kamala Harris remains a figure of admiration for many Indian Americans. Despite some reservations about the Democratic Party’s stance on India, her position as the first person of Indian heritage to serve as vice president resonates with younger, more liberal Hindu voters
As the 2024 U.S. presidential election approaches, a growing number of Hindu Americans are reassessing their political affiliations, with many expressing skepticism toward the Democratic Party. Utsav Sanduja, a Canadian-born Hindu who gained U.S. citizenship, is among those who no longer feel the Democrats represent Hindu interests. This November, he will cast his first vote in a U.S. election, and he is launching the Hindus for America First PAC, advocating for Donald Trump.
Sanduja’s views reflect concerns about religious pluralism and a belief that Hindu voices have been overshadowed by “woke elements.” He also emphasizes traditional values like family and faith, which resonate with the religious right. Data from the Carnegie Endowment and APIA Vote indicate that support for Democrats among Indian Americans has been declining since 2020, signaling a potential shift in the community’s political alignment.
As the election draws closer, both parties will need to pay close attention to this influential and evolving community
Rishi Bhutada, treasurer of the nonpartisan Hindu American PAC, confirms this trend. While Hindu Americans have historically voted Democratic, recent polling shows a gradual shift. This shift is driven by concerns over issues such as taxes, immigration, and U.S. foreign policy toward India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. Ajay Shah of HinduPACT notes that Hindu voters are particularly concerned about visa policies and the rise of anti-Hindu sentiment globally, which they feel has not been adequately addressed by the current administration.
The political engagement of Hindu Americans is evolving, with more candidates and elected officials identifying openly with their Hindu heritage. This includes Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy, who contrasts with Democratic members of Congress like Raja Krishnamoorthi and Ro Khanna. The Hindu community’s growing influence in U.S. politics reflects a desire to shape policies that align with their values and protect their interests, both in the U.S. and in India.
***********************************************************
Readers
These are extraordinary times. All of us have to rely on high-impact, trustworthy journalism. And this is especially true of the Indian Diaspora. Members of the Indian community overseas cannot be fed with inaccurate news.
Pravasi Samwad is a venture that has no shareholders. It is the result of an impassioned initiative of a handful of Indian journalists spread around the world. We have taken a small step forward with the pledge to provide news with accuracy, free from political and commercial influence. Our aim is to keep you, our readers, informed about developments at ‘home’ and across the world that affect you.
Please help us to keep our journalism independent and free.
In these difficult times, running a news website requires finances. While every contribution, big or small, will make a difference, we request our readers to put us in touch with advertisers worldwide. It will be a great help.
For more information: pravasisamwad00@gmail.com