Key Takeaways
- The USIRC publicly denounced Hindu‑phobic remarks targeting Vivek Ramaswamy.
- The council stresses the need to protect Indian-American voters from religious bigotry in the 2024 election.
- It highlights core American values such as patriotism, faith, family, and meritocracy as unifying principles.
In a press release issued on Tuesday, July 25, the United States-India Relationship Council (USIRC), ‘unequivocally denounced’ the anti-Hindu remarks made by Pastor Hank Kunneman, against Republican Presidential candidate, Vivek Ramaswamy. Kunneman, who is the Minister of the Lord of Hosts Church, accused Ramaswamy of bringing in ‘strange Gods to the White House’, and putting his hand on ‘something other than the Bible’.
The press release states, ‘Mr. Ramaswamy is committed to the renewal of quintessential American values like patriotism, faith, family, and meritocracy.
At a time when the next generation of Americans is conflicted by new indulgences, social isolation, and disaffection from traditional pillars, Ramaswamy articulates a vision that unites Americans across all walks of life.’
Taking to Twitter, the USIRC stated, ‘USIRC condemns Hindu-phobia, and negative remarks made by a pastor against Vivek Ramaswamy. Mr. Ramaswamy is articulating a vision that unites Americans across all walks of life. The anti-Hindu bigotry directed against him has no place in American public discourse.’
As per the USIRC, both the national parties in the USA have an opportunity to make inroads with Indian-American voters, this election 2024. Demonizing Indic religions will not help in such efforts.
