Washington:

In one of the rarest instances, the Congressional Black Caucus has lined up to oust one of the sitting lawmakers, Indian American Congressman Shri Thanedar, who is seeking his re-election from the 13th Congressional District of Michigan.

Black Caucus Chair Steven Horsford and his immediate predecessor Joyce Beatty in a significant political move announced to endorse Adam Hollier over Thanedar in the Democratic primary.

In the American political tradition, a sitting lawmaker is rarely opposed by their party leadership in the primary.

The 13th Congressional District of Michigan has a black majority, and this was the first time that it did not have a black representing them in the House of Representatives.

“From the U.S. Army to Governor Whitmer’s cabinet, Adam Hollier has spent his life serving his community and his country. I know he will continue that service as an effective representative and put people over politics. Adam is the kind of leader who understands the importance of protecting our freedoms, fighting for our rights, and ensuring opportunities for everyone,” Horsford said in a statement.

Hollier “is exactly the kind of leader we need standing with us in Congress,” said Beatty. “While some politicians would rather tweet than show up, Adam always steps up, shows up, and delivers results,” she said.

US media described it as an unusual development.

Thanedar is the first Indian American to represent Michigan in Congress. He defeated his Republican opponent by 47 percentage points in 2022 and in the process, he broke a 67-year streak of a Black Michigander representing Detroit.

In the first quarter, he raised USD5 million and garnered over 15 endorsements from influential elected officials and organisations. He has received endorsements from lawmakers Ami Bera, Judy Chu, Robert Garcia, Marcy Kaptur, Ro Khanna, Raja Krishnamoorthi, Ted Lieu, Seth Magaziner, Brad Sherman, and Dina Titus.

Human Rights Campaign, Labourers International Union of North America (LiUNA), National Education Association, Michigan Education Association, and Newtown Action Alliance have also endorsed him.

“Together, we will continue to fight for progress, equality, and opportunity for all residents of Michigan’s 13th,” he said in an earlier statement early this month. Thanedar said he remains committed to engaging with voters, listening to their concerns, and advocating for policies addressing the challenges of the community.
 

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

Over two dozen US lawmakers have joined the bipartisan Congressional Hindu, Buddhist, Sikh and Jain American Caucus, its founder and Indian American Congressman Shri Thanedar has said.

Mr. Thanedar on Friday formally launched in the US Congress the caucus that aims to combat religious discrimination and promote religious freedom for Hindus, Buddhists, Sikhs and Jains.

A congressional caucus is a group of members of the United States Congress that meet to pursue common legislative objectives.

“We are not merely congregating to initiate another caucus; we’re assembling to pioneer a movement—one that strives for understanding, inclusion, and affirmative policy actions,” Mr. Thanedar told reporters at a news conference here.

“A movement that says every faith, every culture, and every community has a place in America— the land of the free and the home of the brave. My name is Shri Thanedar. I am proof of America’s diversity in Congress,” he said.

He was flanked by a group of eminent Indian Americans who had gathered at the steps of the US Capitol from across the country.

“Today is significant for numerous reasons. To many of you, the launch of the Hindu, Buddhist, Sikh, and Jain (HBSJ) American Congressional Caucus may seem like a formal procedure, but let me assure you, it is so much more,” he said.

It is a statement of commitment. A commitment to stand against religious discrimination, to propel the wheels of inclusion, and to cultivate a nation where diversity is not just tolerated but celebrated, Thanedar said.

“This caucus will create a platform to have the discourse, engage in action, dispel the misinformation and disinformation of our culture and society, to express religious freedom, protect our existence, and speak the truth about who we are by pushing back on hate and bigotry,” he said.

Thanedar noted that as many as 27 Congressmen from both the Republican and the Democratic parties have joined the latest caucuses of the US Congress.

“To illustrate the urgent need for this caucus, it’s important to put some numbers into context. We are not talking about abstract communities or conceptual problems. These are real issues affecting real people—our friends, our neighbours, and our constituents,” he said.

Approximately 3 million Hindus, 1.2 million Buddhists, 500,000 Sikhs, and 200,000 Jains enrich our nation’s cultural and spiritual life, he said.

About 1,000 Hindu temples, 1,000 Buddhist temples, 800 Sikh gurdwaras, and 100 Jain temples are spread across America, acting as centers for community development, philanthropy, and spiritual well-being, Thanedar said.

“So, when we speak about these communities, we are speaking about a substantial portion of our nation’s populace—a segment that contributes significantly to the American fabric yet often remains underrepresented or misunderstood,” he said.

Thanedar said HBSJ American Congressional Caucus aims to fulfill four fundamental objectives; combating religious discrimination, accurate representation and inclusion, addressing cultural misunderstandings and empowerment and well-being.

Romesh Japra, founder and chairman of Americans for Hindus described it as a momentous occasion.

There was a long felt need of the Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists and Jains in the country. The new caucus would help in raising the causes and protecting the interests of these minority communities in the US, Japra said.