Fri Nov 01 09:03:54 UTC 2024: ## Trump and Harris Extend Deepavali Greetings, Trump Condemns Violence in Bangladesh
**Washington, D.C. -** In a move aimed at garnering support from the Indian diaspora, both U.S. Presidential candidates, Donald Trump and Kamala Harris, extended Deepavali wishes to their supporters.
While Vice President Harris simply wished a happy Diwali to those celebrating the festival of lights, former President Trump took the opportunity to criticize his Democratic opponents, accusing them of ignoring the Hindu community.
Trump, who called Prime Minister Narendra Modi a “good friend,” expressed his condemnation of the recent violence in Bangladesh, stating that “it would have never happened on my watch.” He asserted that the violence against Hindus, Christians, and other minorities was a result of the “anti-religion agenda of the radical left” and claimed that President Biden and Vice President Harris had ignored the plight of Hindus.
He further reiterated his commitment to “protect Hindu Americans” against the perceived threat of the radical left, a sentiment that has resonated with sections of the Hindu American community.
The Vice President, on the other hand, focused on the unifying message of Deepavali, celebrating the “fight for good over evil, knowledge over ignorance, and light over darkness.” She also posted a photo of her residence illuminated for the occasion, emphasizing the importance of finding light within ourselves and each other.
While both candidates used the occasion to connect with the Indian American community, Trump’s message carried a more overtly political tone, utilizing the issue of violence in Bangladesh to criticize his opponents and position himself as a protector of Hindu American interests.
First Piper 