Tulsi Gabbard, the first Hindu to run for the US President’s post, has always been a target for a section of media and politicians for her faith and her refusal to toe their lines.
Media has made many attempts to paint Tulsi Gabbard as a supporter of ‘violent Hindu nationalism’, in the same lines they declare PM Modi as a ‘mass-murderer’ and blame him for the Gujarat riots.
The media attacks on Tulsi Gabbard for being a Hindu has intensified after she decided to enter in the US Presidential race. In a recent event, after Tulsi met PM Modi during his US visit, a woman tried to corner Tulsi over her meeting with PM Modi, saying that many believe PM Modi was ‘complicit’ in the Gujarat riots that saw thousands of people dying.
Tulsi, unperturbed by the baseless allegations, raised a simple question. “Do you know what instigated those riots”? The reply was an uncomfortable murmur throughout the room.
Tulsi then proceeded to answer the reporter saying, “You are levelling a very serious charge against me without presenting any facts to back them up. My focus as a member of Congress has always been and always will be about how best I can serve the interests of the American people and our country. I have been a co-chair here at the US-India caucus, for Indians and Indian Americans, recognising that India is one of our most important partners in the India-pacific region, where I come from.”
Tulsi, an army veteran who has served in Iraq, explained further that the US Pacific command does more training exercises with India than they do with any other country. The importance of US-India partnership is something that has bipartisan support. President Obama worked very closely with PM Modi when he was in the office recognising how important the partnership is for economic, educational, and cultural reasons.”
The reporter then asked, “What about the money you get from the RSS?”
Tulsi replied, “Again, back up your claims with evidence. The contributions that I get for my campaign come from American citizens. What you are doing right now is levelling criticism against American citizens who just happen to be Hindus and who are involved in our democratic process. I am proud to have support for my campaign from all across our country from citizens who are Hindus, Muslims, Christians, Buddhists, and Atheists.”