Dr. Bharat Barai, an Indian-American leader, has claimed that about 70% of Hindu Americans voted for Donald Trump in the November 5 presidential election, partly due to his strong support for Bangladeshi Hindus. However, Barai emphasized that the community will now judge Trump based on his actions once in office. This figure, though significant, was not backed by any surveys or data.
Barai criticized the Democratic Party, accusing them of using human rights as a “political tool” for countries like India. He pointed out that neither President Joe Biden nor Vice President Kamala Harris had strongly condemned the violence against Hindus in Bangladesh, particularly after the political turmoil in August when Sheikh Hasina was ousted.
Despite the relatively small size of the Hindu American community, Barai acknowledged its importance in key elections, especially in swing states like Georgia, Pennsylvania, and Michigan. He highlighted that Trump’s statements on the persecution of Hindus in Bangladesh had earned him the community’s support, but noted that they would now be watching his actions closely.
Barai also emphasized the significance of Trump’s appointments of two Hindu Americans, Vivek Ramaswamy and Tulsi Gabbard, to prominent positions, which further strengthened his backing among Hindu Americans. He called for action against Bangladesh, including potential economic sanctions, if the violence against Hindus continues.
