Indian-American Vivek Ramaswamy, a Republican candidate in the upcoming 2024 US Presidential race, has taken a firm stand on the discussion about his Hindu faith, responding to critics who accuse him of leveraging his religious identity to sway voters. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Ramaswamy addressed a video clip featured on the platform where he answered a question about his Hindu faith during a CNN town hall in Iowa.
Undeterred by criticisms, Ramaswamy shared his "food for thought" on the micro-blogging site, emphasizing his commitment to openly embracing his Hindu faith. During the town hall, when questioned about the perception among some voters that his religion does not align with America's foundational principles, he asserted that he "respectfully disagrees."
In a subsequent post on X, he directed his response to the skeptics, stating, "Food for thought for the 'Vivek-just-tells-people-what-they-want-to-hear' crowd: Do you think that it's easier or harder for me to win GOP primary voters by openly embracing my Hindu faith? Just do the math."
Ramaswamy's consistent advocacy for his Hindu faith has been a notable aspect of his public persona. He has often reassured the American audience that his religion should not be a barrier if he were to be elected as the country's president. Beyond discussing his Hindu faith, he has highlighted his educational experience in a Catholic school and even noted in September that he has read the Bible "more closely than probably most of my Christian friends."
During the CNN town hall, Ramaswamy reiterated his commitment to truthfulness in his political journey, stating, "I would rather speak the truth and lose an election than win by playing political snakes and ladders." He emphasized the shared values between his Hindu faith and "Judeo-Christian values" and expressed that his faith guides him in his pursuit of the presidency.
