US Congressman Shri Thanedar has strongly condemned recent anti-Indian incidents in Texas, labeling them a 'disgusting act of hate' and emphasizing the significant contributions of immigrants and Indian-Americans to the country.
Thanedar's Response to Anti-Indian Rhetoric
The Michigan Democrat, who represents the state's 13th Congressional District and is the first Indian-American to hold the seat, issued a statement on X in response to reports of anti-Indian rhetoric and protests in Frisco and other parts of Texas.
Thanedar stated: 'This is a disgusting act of hate. Racism has no place in our country. I came to America in search of the American Dream. I was lucky enough to get an education, build businesses, create thousands of good jobs, and now serve my community in Congress. Immigrants make our country stronger. Indian Americans, and the incredible talent they bring to every field, have a special place in the American story. I am proud to be an Indian American, and I will always stand against hate and racism in every form.'
Series of Anti-Indian Incidents in Texas
Thanedar's remarks come after a series of incidents that have raised concerns about anti-Indian and anti-Hindu sentiment in Texas. In Frisco, public meetings saw some speakers use phrases such as 'Indian takeover' while making hostile comments about Indian-American residents and elected officials. Racist remarks were directed at the local Indian community amid debates over immigration and the H1-B visa programme.
A video of a man burning the Indian flag also went viral on social media. In the clip, the man was also seen hurling abuses at Indians. Moreover, MAGA journalists and investigative reporters have also documented what they call the 'Indian takeover' of Texas, saying that foreigners are actively stealing land, jobs and opportunities from Americans. Establishment of Hindu temples on US soil have also been criticised by Christian nationalists.
Elsewhere in Irving, masked demonstrators displayed signs reading 'Don't India my Texas' and described Diwali as 'garbage'. Some protest banners also targeted Hindu beliefs and Indian immigrants. The demonstrations were condemned by Hindu organisations and civil rights groups.
Thanedar's Consistent Stand Against Hate
Thanedar has been one of the most vocal Indian-American lawmakers on issues involving anti-Indian and anti-Hindu hate in the US. Last year, he reintroduced a congressional resolution condemning Hinduphobia, citing what he described as an 'alarming rise in anti-Hindu sentiment' and incidents of racism, xenophobia and violence targeting the Hindu-American community.
At the time, he argued that 'Hate in any form threatens the fabric of our society' and said the US 'will not tolerate bigotry.'
The congressman has also pushed back against online attacks aimed at Indian Americans. Earlier this year, he publicly criticised a social media post suggesting that Indian-origin members of Congress should be sent on a 'one-way flight back to Mumbai.'
