Donald Trump on Hindu Voters
Indo-American voters have become a crucial factor in the upcoming U.S. presidential election. For the first time, both the Republican and Democratic parties are intensely competing for this voter segment due to heightened rivalry between the candidates. In a recent message celebrating the Diwali festival, Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump strongly condemned the attacks on Hindus, Christians, and other minorities in Bangladesh, stating that such incidents did not occur during his administration. Trump criticized President Biden and Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris for neglecting Hindus in the U.S. and worldwide. He pledged to protect the rights of Hindus in America, Bangladesh, and across the globe, asserting that he would safeguard them from the anti-religious agenda posed by the radical left. Trump promised to further strengthen India-U.S. relations if he wins the election. Utsav Sanduja, founder and chairman of Hindus for America First, expressed gratitude for Trump’s statements.
Key issues such as India-U.S. relations and immigration reform are expected to influence the election next week. Some believe that the state of India-U.S. relations will significantly affect who takes power in Washington. However, Indo-Americans hope for improved ties between the two nations, and it remains to be seen whether Trump or Harris will take the necessary steps. Avinash Gupta, president of the Indo-American Association, noted that Trump had previously enjoyed good relations with Prime Minister Modi and that bilateral relations flourished during his tenure.
The immigration issue is also a significant concern, with many Indo-Americans worried about their children’s future. Numerous individuals are waiting for green cards, and those on H-1B visas fear their children may have to return to India. This situation complicates decisions regarding property purchases and schooling for their children. Consequently, Indo-Americans are now focusing on how the major party candidates will address immigration issues. Furthermore, many believe that stabilizing the U.S. economy and job creation will play a critical role in the presidential election. The presence of Kamala Harris as the Democratic candidate and J.D. Vance as Trump’s running mate, both with ties to India, has sparked significant interest among Indo-Americans in this election. However, there are concerns about the historically low voter turnout among Indo-Americans. It is now more important than ever for this community to participate in the voting process.
