Hindu Americans emerge as crucial voting bloc in tight US presidential race

Hindu Americans have become a crucial voting bloc for both Republicans and Democrats as the US presidential race narrows, with both campaigns making targeted efforts to win their support. The campaigns of Republican Donald Trump and Democratic nominee Kamala Harris have both actively engaged with Hindu voters, recognizing their influence in key battleground states.

In a notable outreach effort, President Joe Biden hosted the largest Diwali celebration ever held at the White House, inviting approximately 600 prominent Indian Americans from across the nation. This event underscores the growing importance of Hindu American voters, with both parties aiming to capture their support in this closely contested election.

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, who is the running mate of Vice President Harris, went to a Hindu temple in the battleground state of Pennsylvania to celebrate Diwali.

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For the first time, a vice-presidential candidate has visited a Hindu temple, a move that energised a significant portion of the Hindu community in the key battleground state of Pennsylvania.

From the Republican side, Trump issued a lengthy statement on Truth Social and X in which he commented on the attacks on the Hindus in Bangladesh, an issue close to the hearts of Hindu Americans. He also talked about protecting the rights of the Hindu community in the US and globally, a move that was welcomed by Hindu Americans.

Insiders from both campaigns, who spoke on conditions of anonymity, said this was part of their effort to get the Hindu votes in some of the key battleground states like Pennsylvania, Georgia, Michigan and North Carolina.

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Mid-level leaders of the two campaigns also made visits to temples and other religious places of the community in the last week of the campaign.

Both the campaign insiders noted that in a closely contested race, “Hindus can be the margin of victory”.

With inputs from agencies.