Conservative and Liberal Hindu voices: The key to winning the 2024 U.S. Elections

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With less than a week before the U.S. elections, Hindu American voters have become a significant focus for both Republicans and Democrats, who are actively courting their support. This community is now recognized as a vital, organized voting bloc that could influence the results of the closely contested 2024 race.

Around five million Hindus live in the United States, representing a diverse community, beyond India, from more than thirty countries, including Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, and Mauritius. Traditionally, they demonstrate strong voter turnout, and participate widely through donations, advocacy, and grassroots work.

This population is particularly influential in swing states like Georgia, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Michigan, and Wisconsin. Here, their votes may offset shifts in support from other groups, such as Muslim and Independent voters, amid current Middle Eastern geopolitical tensions.

For instance, in Michigan, some prominent Muslim leaders recently endorsed former President Donald Trump, criticizing the Biden-Harris administration’s stance on the Israel-Gaza conflict, illustrating the dynamic and diverse perspectives shaping this election season.

Indian Americans, particularly within the Hindu community, have diverse political leanings, with both Democratic and Republican. Key issues they prioritize in this election include immigration, gun control, taxation, business-friendly policies, racism against South Asians, education, the economy, foreign policy, abortion, and healthcare.

Both political parties are actively courting Hindu American voters, emphasizing these shared concerns. Notably, Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic Presidential candidate with South Asian heritage, adds a unique dimension to the election, highlighting the community’s representation. Her mother, Shyamala Gopalan, a Tamil-brahmin, was born in Chennai, India.

Notable figures in the Republican party are also making impact during this elections. Recently, a former Republican Presidential candidate and Trump’s opponent, Nikki Haley, said, “As a voter, I have to make a decision this November. When I look at the big issues – jobs, safety, immigration, national security, and my kid’s future,” adding she understands this election is not about “personalities or style.” She went on to say, “It’s about substance,” and that’s the reason she is voting for the principles that will set a strong foundation.

“The Trump administration’s policies delivered the essential care that Americans need at a lower cost. By contrast, the Biden-Harris administration’s policies have fueled health care inflation,” conveyed former Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal.

Vivek Ramaswamy, another former Republican Presidential Candidate and supporter of President Trump, recalled Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s speech at the US Capitol, where he “unapologetically,” talked about Indian national identity, quoting the Vedas and other ancient Indian scriptures. Ramaswamy noted, “How about taking a look in the mirror and celebrating our national identity and re-embracing American growth here at home,” noting that’s the key message he took from PM Modi’s speech.

Far-right activist and Trump supporter Laura Loomer recently faced backlash for “racist” comments about Vice President Harris’s Indian heritage, suggesting a Harris Presidency would make the White House “smell like curry,” and involve call center-style speeches. Her remarks were condemned across party lines.

In an attempt to control the damage, former President Trump personally contacted Dr. Shoba Chokkalingam, who represents the Georgia Republican Caucus of the American Hindu Coalition (AHC) and clarified that Loomer’s comments are not a reflection of his views and expressed respect for the Indian community. This outreach reflects Trump’s broader strategy to strengthen ties with Indian Americans, recognizing their growing influence especially in swing states, and therefore focusing on cultural values and pro-business policies.

It’s clearly evident that organizations like AHC and the Hindu American PAC are gaining influence, reflecting the community’s growing political involvement and push for better representation in government.

AHC, a non-partisan grassroots group, aims to mobilize Hindu Americans in the political sphere and recently endorsed Suhas Subramanyam, a Democratic candidate for Virginia’s 10th Congressional District. Subramanyam, a Virginia state senator and grandson of a Hindu priest, represents a new wave of Hindu leaders shaping U.S. politics.

If elected, Subramanyam who represents the key district in Northern Virginia, a key suburb near Washington, D.C., would bolster the five member “Samosa Caucus,” represented by Indian American lawmakers Raja Krishnamoorthi, Shri Thanedar, Ro Khanna, Pramila Jayapal, and Dr. Ami Bera. The caucus is working to rally South Asian voters in support of Vice President Kamala Harris’s presidential campaign.

President of AHC, Harsh Sethi, underscored the importance of tailoring political campaigns to effectively engage Hindu voters.

“To tap into this potential, campaigns must align their messages and outreach strategies with the unique values and concerns of this community. By actively engaging with community leaders, recognizing the diverse cultural backgrounds within the population, and addressing the key issues that resonate most, campaigns can foster a more inclusive political environment,” Sethi added. “This approach not only strengthens connections with American Hindus but also enhances the overall democratic process.”

Director of AHC, Dr. Sudhir Parikh, emphasized the valuable role of Hindus in the U.S., whose contributions enrich the nation’s social, cultural, and economic diversity, strengthening inclusivity through education, civic engagement, and community welfare.

President of the Indian American Forum for Political Education, Dr. Sampat Shivangi, a Conservative, endorses Trump-era policies like tax cuts and deregulation. He supports immigration reform and stronger border security, advocating for national sovereignty and stronger U.S.-India relations.

Highlighting the importance of the community, AHC’s Executive Director, Alok Srivastava, expressed that regardless of the 2024 election results, civic-minded communities, such as Hindus, remain steadfast in voting, with increased participation signaling their growing impact on electoral outcomes.

Srivastava added that the Hindu community has been recognized for being “highly educated and financially secure.” He further noted that they have “contributed both through donations and higher voter turnout this election season,” citing the percentage of early voting so far.

President-US India Security Council, Inc., and co-chair, Harris Victory Fund National Finance Committee, Ramesh Kapur, stated that VP Harris’s presidential candidacy offers a “unique and historic,” opportunity for Hindu communities.

Kapur, who is also associated with AHC, noted, “It may be decades before we see another individual with Indian and Hindu heritage, regardless of gender, as a presidential candidate from either major party.”

He noted the limited authority of the Vice Presidency and mentioned that previous Vice Presidents have often fallen short of expectations. However, he expressed confidence that Harris would excel as President and make these communities proud.

Democratic leaning organizations like Indian American (IA) Impact and the AAPI Victory Fund are also mobilizing support for Harris among South Asian and AAPI voters. Recently, the IA Impact and Future Forward initiated a $3.5 million Ad campaign targeting swing states to boost voter engagement.

Shekar Narasimhan, chairman of the AAPI Victory Fund, underscored the significance of the 2024 elections for the future of democracy, for the millions of Americans who see Kamala Harris as a beacon of “progress,” and “representation.” He contended that these elections aren’t merely about preventing Trump’s return to the White House; it’s about supporting a candidate who embodies the aspirations of countless individuals.

Recently, the AAPI Victory Fund launched a 30-minute YouTube music video featuring the Indian-born, globally acclaimed Academy Award winning musician A R Rahman, showcasing the strengths of Vice President Harris.

Another supporter of VP Harris, founder of Indiaspora, MR Rangaswami, expressed his confidence in VP Harris being fully prepared to be the next President, and noted, “Let’s all go out. Let’s elect one of us.”

(This article appeared in South Asian Herald October 29, 2024. It is being reprinted under a special agreement with SAH)