Republican presidential candidate Ramaswamy’s ties to Hindu nationalists raise concern

Ramaswamy is appealing to growing Modi fan base in the U.S., which includes militant Hindu groups 

WASHINGTON – Republican candidate Vivek Ramaswamy’s ties with Hindu nationalists is causing concern and highlights his anti-democratic tendencies.

Ramaswamy is an Indian American and former pharmaceutical executive.

He is drawing attention to himself with anti-democratic tendencies.

He supports Hindu nationalism — the belief that India belongs to Hindus, while religious minorities such as Muslims and Christians should face violence, cultural erasure, and lower status.

The Hindu nationalists’ patron organization, Rashtriya Swayemsevak Sangh (RSS), advocates turning India into an autocratic Hindu ethno-state.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which currently rules India, is a political offshoot of the RSS. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is an active member of the RSS.

Ramaswamy recently praised Modi for reviving national pride in India.

This should worry U.S. voters, as Modi has a controversial track record, including suppression of dissent, hate speech against minorities, and laws restricting religious freedoms.

Ramaswamy appears to be appealing to the growing Modi fan base in the U.S., which includes militant Hindu groups whose offshoots pose as cultural or advocacy organizations.

These groups, such as the Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh (HSS) and the Vishwa Hindu Parishad of America (VHPA), are linked to the RSS and the BJP.

The VHPA openly acknowledges its association with the Indian VHP, which is known for its involvement in violence against minorities.

Ramaswamy’s involvement with the VHPA and his statements at its events show that he is close to Hindu nationalist ideology.

Right-wing Hindu-Americans have engaged in discriminatory actions, such as influencing legislation against people oppressed by caste and promoting anti-Muslim and anti-Christian hate speech.

Ramaswamy’s support raises concerns about rising extremism within the right and the potential legitimization of Hindu nationalism through his candidacy.