A Hindu political group in the United States has expressed concerns about Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris's connections to Pakistani-American Asif Mahmood, a member of the US Commission for International Religious Freedom (USCIRF).
The group worries about potential implications for her administration's stance on sensitive issues, particularly Kashmir.
Utsav Sanduja, founder and chairman of Hindus for America First, raised these concerns following the USCIRF's recent “India Country Update,” which claimed that religious freedom in India has deteriorated throughout 2024, especially in the lead-up to and immediately after the country’s general elections.
India has dismissed the report as “malicious,” asserting it aims to further discredit the USCIRF.
In a video posted on X, Sanduja highlighted Harris's past praise for Mahmood, in which she acknowledged his support during her presidential campaign. “He has been supporting me for so many years. When I made the decision to run for president... he is one of the first calls I made,” Harris is seen saying in the footage recorded at Mahmood’s residence in June 2019.
Mahmood recently announced plans to host a fundraiser for Harris alongside her sister, Maya Harris. He is known for his strong ties to Pakistan's government and political elites, who have historically held critical views of India.
“Kamala Harris is Pakistan's preferred choice this November. Indian Americans, we can do better,” Sanduja stated in a separate post. He added that this relationship raises concerns about the direction a Harris administration might take on sensitive topics like Kashmir.
Hindus for America First announced last month that it would endorse Republican candidate Donald Trump in the upcoming election on 5 November.
Follow us
