Daijiworld Media Network- New York
New York, Jun 27: Amid growing anticipation over his potential candidacy for New York mayor, Indian-origin politician Zohran Mamdani has become the latest target of racist and xenophobic attacks from conservative circles. Known for his progressive stance as a New York State Assembly member, Mamdani has drawn attention from Republican commentators who have taken aim not at his policies, but his ethnic and religious identity.
The backlash coincides with heightened political rhetoric across the US, where identity politics continues to stir polarising debates. Meanwhile, in a refreshing departure from hostility, Second Lady Usha Vance, also of Indian origin, opened up about raising her children in an interfaith household, offering a rare glimpse into the evolving multicultural fabric of American political families.
In a candid interview on Meghan McCain’s podcast, “Citizen McCain,” Usha Vance, wife of Vice President JD Vance, shared insights on balancing Hindu and Catholic traditions in their family. Usha, a practising Hindu, revealed that their children — Ewan, Vivek, and Mirabel — attend a Catholic school and have been given the freedom to choose their religious path.
“We’ve given them each the choice... whether they want to be baptised Catholic and go through the process at school,” she said. Notably, Usha stated that she had no intention of converting but fully supported her husband’s faith after his own conversion to Catholicism.
The Second Lady also discussed the influence of her Indian roots. “My grandmother is a devout Hindu... she prays every day, visits the temple regularly, and performs pujas,” she noted, adding that her children are exposed to Hinduism through books, family, and travel experiences, including a recent trip to India. Although Hindu festivals aren't always observed at home, she shared her excitement over planning a Holi celebration next year.
While Usha’s open-minded approach has earned appreciation for fostering inclusivity, it also stands in stark contrast to the discriminatory rhetoric faced by Mamdani — a sign that political spaces in the US are still deeply divided along lines of faith and heritage.
Born to a Ugandan mother and Indian father, Mamdani has built a reputation for championing causes of the marginalised. His rising popularity has rattled some sections of the Republican base, prompted baseless accusations and racially charged commentary — an issue that civil rights groups are now actively condemning.
Observers say both Mamdani’s resilience and Usha Vance’s embrace of diversity reflect a changing American political narrative, one that is increasingly shaped by multicultural families and inclusive values, even as it grapples with entrenched prejudice.