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Jenifer Rajkumar amplifies Hindu advocacy amid Mamdani criticism
Rajkumar said her office would remain “a sanctuary” for Hindu-Americans who feel unsafe or threatened.
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Malvika Choudhary - Sat, 20, Sep 2025
- 15:24 EDT
- 24
Jenifer Rajkumar and Zohran Mamdani / Wikipedia
New York State Assemblywoman Jenifer Rajkumar has pledged continued advocacy for Hindu-Americans, as mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani faces growing criticism from community leaders over his past Hinduphobic remarks and activism.
“Hinduphobia has no place in New York City,” Rajkumar said in a post on X. “As the first Hindu-American elected to New York State office, I will always stand firm against hate and division.”
Also Read: Rep. Subramanyam co-sponsors anti-Hinduphobia bill
Hinduphobia has no place in New York City.
— Jenifer Rajkumar (@JeniferRajkumar) September 20, 2025
As the first Hindu-American elected to New York State office, I will always stand firm against hate and division. When a Gandhi statue on temple grounds was desecrated, it was not just vandalism—it was a hate crime against the Hindu… https://t.co/bcRGDr7TFc
Her comments come amid heightened scrutiny of Mamdani, a Democratic Socialist who has been accused by Hindu-American groups of promoting divisive rhetoric.
He has previously referred to Rajkumar as a “puppet of Hindu fascists,” opposed the construction of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, and labeled Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu “war criminals.” Activists also fault him for remaining silent after the desecration of a Gandhi statue in Queens.
“When a Gandhi statue on temple grounds was desecrated, it was not just vandalism—it was a hate crime against the Hindu community and an attack on interfaith harmony,” Rajkumar said, adding that her office would remain “a sanctuary” for Hindu-Americans who feel unsafe or threatened.
In June, Hindu activists funded an aerial banner to be flown over the Hudson River reading, “Save NYC from Global Intifada. Reject Mamdani.” Earlier, several Hindu-American leaders signed a letter to India’s foreign minister denouncing what they called Mamdani’s “Hinduphobic lies.” Critics have also objected to his proposal to ban the swastika, a symbol sacred to Hindus.
Rajkumar, by contrast, positioned her message around interfaith unity. “No mayor, no president, no candidate for higher office can stand in the way of good triumphing over evil. In the greatest country on earth, the nation my parents sacrificed everything to come to, we will not allow hate to take root,” she said.
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