Usha Chilukuri Vance, wife of Republican vice-presidential candidate JD Vance, has become a point of interest for her unique background. While she proudly showcased her Indian heritage and her husband’s culinary adaptation to her vegetarian diet at the Republican National Convention, she has remained silent about her Hindu upbringing. This silence, coupled with the Republican Party’s predominantly white and Christian base, raises questions about the party’s readiness to embrace a Hindu second lady.
Usha Vance’s presence at the RNC generated excitement amongst some Indian American conservatives, particularly Hindu Americans, who saw her as a representation of their community. However, it’s important to note that the majority of Indian Americans identify as Democrats. This highlights the complex dynamics within the Indian American community, where political affiliations are often intertwined with cultural and religious identities.
While some analysts believe that Usha Vance’s strong presence as a Hindu American could appeal to South Asian voters in swing states like Arizona, Georgia, and North Carolina, others argue that her Hindu identity might actually be a liability for the Republican Party. Dheepa Sundaram, a Hindu Studies professor at the University of Denver, suggests that the campaign is trying to have it both ways: acknowledging Usha Vance’s Hindu heritage without actively promoting it.
The Republican Party’s approach to Usha Vance’s faith reflects the ongoing tensions within the party itself. While some are eager to reach out to minority groups, others seem resistant to the idea of a non-Christian figure in a prominent position. This is further evidenced by the fact that Vivek Ramaswamy, a Hindu American who ran for president in 2020, made his faith a central part of his campaign but ultimately lost the primary election.
The lack of clear messaging from the Vance campaign regarding Usha’s faith has prompted speculation about whether being anything other than Christian in the Republican Party might still be a hurdle for certain segments of the base. There are concerns about potential backlash from more exclusionary elements within the party.
Despite these concerns, some Indian American conservatives believe that Usha Vance’s presence could be a positive step for the Republican Party. Niraj Antani, a Republican and Hindu American state senator in Ohio, argues that the party needs to reach out to minority groups to be successful in elections. He emphasizes that any racism within the Republican Party stems from individual racists, not the party itself.
Ultimately, the significance of Usha Vance’s Hindu identity on the election remains unclear. Whether she will become a symbol of inclusivity for the Republican Party or simply a silent figure in the background, her presence will undoubtedly continue to be scrutinized as the campaign progresses.
