Usha Chilukuri Vance, wife of JD Vance, shared a heartwarming story at the Republican National Convention about her husband embracing her vegetarian diet and learning to cook Indian food from her South Indian immigrant mother. Despite being a Hindu American in a largely white and Christian party, her presence at the RNC garnered enthusiasm from some Indian American conservatives, especially Hindu Americans, although most Indian Americans align with the Democratic Party.
During her speech, Usha Vance did not mention her Hindu upbringing or personal faith, which has subjected her to online hate. While some view her Hindu identity positively, there are doubts about whether the Republican Party is prepared for a Hindu second lady. Usha Vance has chosen to stay silent about her religion and declined to discuss it further.
Raised in San Diego in a Hindu household by immigrant parents, Usha Vance confirmed that one of their children has an Indian name, and they had both Indian and American weddings. Her Hindu background may resonate with South Asian voters in swing states like Arizona and Georgia. However, there are conflicting opinions within the Indian American community on various issues.
Despite efforts to appeal to minority groups, statistics show that a majority of Indian Americans lean towards the Democratic Party. Usha Vance’s reluctance to discuss her religion, along with previous political challenges faced by Hindu candidates in the Republican Party, indicates that being non-Christian could still be a hurdle for some within the party.
The Hindu American Foundation emphasized Usha Vance’s positive influence as an example of Hindu values. While some Hindu Americans are turning to the Republican Party, concerns remain about the party’s stance on key issues like discrimination legislation. The divide within the Indian American community and the rise of Christian conservatism and nationalism contribute to the ongoing preference for the Democratic Party among Indian Americans.
Despite differing opinions within the Indian American community, the discussion around Usha Vance’s Hindu identity sheds light on the complexities of religion and politics in the United States.
