The agenda calls for legislation to curb Hinduphobic rhetoric and proposes defunding academic institutions that promote anti-Hindu sentiments.  / HinduPACT

HinduVote, a project of HinduPACT under the World Hindu Council of America (VHPA), has unveiled its American Hindu Agenda for the 2024 Elections. 

The initiative highlights key legislative priorities and policy goals that resonate with Hindu voters across the country. It seeks to influence political discourse and advocate for issues crucial to the American Hindu community, from addressing Hinduphobia to fostering stronger US-India relations.

One of its central focuses is combating Hinduphobia. The agenda calls for legislation to curb Hinduphobic rhetoric and proposes defunding academic institutions that promote anti-Hindu sentiments. 

Additionally, it emphasizes the protection of Hindu temples, advocating for FBI investigations to address the root causes of vandalism targeting these places of worship, as well as statues of Mahatma Gandhi across the United States.

Another key priority is the repatriation of stolen Hindu artifacts. HinduVote seeks legislation that would ensure the return of these cultural treasures from museums and private collections to their countries of origin. 

In terms of international relations, the agenda underscores the importance of a robust US-India partnership, urging non-interference in India’s sovereign rights. It also calls for the appointment of Hindu representatives to U.S. faith-centric agencies, such as the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF).

On immigration, the agenda advocates for fairer policies, including the removal of country-based caps on H1B visas and expedited green card processing for highly skilled immigrants. It also aims to protect children on H4B visas from deportation.

Additionally, the agenda promotes human rights advocacy by holding religious theocracies in countries such as Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Bangladesh accountable for human rights violations. It recommends halting U.S. aid to these nations until meaningful reforms are enacted.

The agenda also champions fairness in education and employment. It endorses merit-based educational opportunities and supports the recent Supreme Court ruling in the Fair Admissions vs. Harvard case. On environmental issues, the agenda calls for policies that advance sustainable development.

In conjunction with the American Hindu Agenda, HinduPACT has developed two comprehensive guides. A 36-page guide for 501(c)(3) organizations, including temples and community groups, offers guidance on permissible activities during election periods. This resource highlights the importance of civic engagement while ensuring compliance with federal regulations. 

Additionally, a 24-page guide for Hindu voters provides clear, practical information on navigating the election process and making informed decisions based on their values and priorities. Both guides are available on the hinduvote.org website.

As part of their outreach, HinduPACT has distributed a detailed questionnaire to approximately 1,000 candidates running for the US House of Representatives and Senate. This questionnaire, aligned with the American Hindu Agenda for 2024, aims to educate voters about where candidates stand on key issues affecting the Hindu community.

“The HinduVote initiative and the American Hindu Agenda for 2024 mark a new chapter for our community’s civic engagement,” said Deepa Karthik, executive director of the HinduVote project. “We are empowering Hindu voters with the resources and information they need to make informed decisions and encouraging political candidates to take a clear stance on issues that matter to the Hindu community.”

Deepti Mahajan, co-convenor of HinduPACT, emphasized the role temples can play in civic life. “We hope that our temples become centers of the broader community around them. Our Elections Guide for Temples and Organizations provides these organizations with clear guidelines on election-related activities they can engage in to fulfill this important role in society.”

Ajay Shah, president of VHPA and co-convenor of HinduPACT, highlighted the contributions of American Hindus to society, saying, “American Hindus have made tremendous contributions to our nation across all spheres of life. This agenda is not only aimed at ensuring the safety and security of the community but also addresses issues that will benefit all Americans, not just Hindus.”