WASHINGTON, DC and CHICAGO, IL, Aug. 31, 2026 –Hindus for Human Rights Action and SACRED Acts announce an historic commitment against hate, with nearly 100 American political leaders from across the United States pledging to reject political contributions from the anti-democratic movement behindthe assassination of Mohandas K. Gandhi, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (R.S.S.).

The announcement comes as Mohan Bhagwat, the global leader of the R.S.S. – described byThe New York Times as a “far-right group” that “has spent a century trying to make India a Hindu-first nation” – visits the United States and Canada. Bhagwat’s visit has taken place despite the direct opposition of the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF), an independent, bipartisan legislative agency that has recommended that the U.S. government impose sanctions and bar entry of R.S.S. leaders to the U.S. for “their responsibility and tolerance of severe violations of religious freedom.” On August 26, 2026 the USCIRF took the exceptional step of releasing a statement expressing that it was “deeply concerned about the visit of Mohan Bhagwat, chief of India’s Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), to the United States.”

Research fromSciences Po Paris University in France has linked the R.S.S. to113 groups in the U.S., including the Republican Hindu Coalition, a group that namedSteve Bannon a co-chair in 2019.

In response to the R.S.S. leaders visit Hindus for Human Rights Action, SACRED Acts, and their partners announce a nonpartisan pledge that includes a broad coalition of signatories from both the Democratic and Republican parties, including elected officials and candidates at the federal, state, and local/municipal level in eight states. The Nonviolence Pledge establishes three commitments for elected officials and candidates:

• Reject political violence and intimidation;

• Refuse donations linked to the anti-democratic R.S.S. and its affiliates;

• Return or redirect such political contributions to pro-democracy organizations. 

Prominent leaders from around the country shared support for the Nonviolence Pledge, including in at least one public instance an announcement to give away political contributions from a prominent, R.S.S.-linked individual:

• "We must reject right-wing organizations that seek to destabilize and undermine democracy — whether it's the far-right movement in the U.S. or the R.S.S. in India. I am committing to not take any R.S.S. affiliated money and encourage my colleagues to do the same. We cannot be beholden to dark money interests that put profits and power over the interest of everyday people," said Rep. Pramila Jayapal (WA-7).

• "I was proud to be the first Democrat to take TrackAIPAC's PEACE pledge and reject money from AIPAC and affiliated groups, recognize the genocide in Gaza, and oppose aid to Israel and military sales that kill civilians. Today, I am proud to announce that I am taking SACRED Acts' and Hindus for Human Rights Action's Nonviolence Pledge to ensure that the R.S.S., the group behind Gandhi's assassination, cannot create a PAC or influence elections in the U.S,” stated Rep. Ro Khanna (CA-17).  “And I'm taking action to demonstrate my commitment to this pledge. Today, I announce that I am donating away a $6,600 contribution I recently discovered from a pro-MAGA, billionaire with ties to the R.S.S. I'm proud to lead on this pledge and re-assert my commitment to overcome the R.S.S. and their attacks on global democracy."

• “We must reject religious division, violence, and extremism, both at home and abroad — so I’m proud to take the Nonviolence Pledge and reject political contributions tied to the R.S.S. I’m grateful to Hindus for Human Rights Action and SACRED Acts' for their courageous organizing against hate and their work to strengthen multifaith, multiracial democracy that ensures no community lives in fear," said Brad Lander, Democratic nominee for New York’s 10th Congressional District. 

SACRED Acts first launched this historic pledge in Illinois in 2023 with support from partners Indian American Muslim Council (IAMC), Asian American Midwest Progressives, India Civil Watch International (ICWI), and Hindus for Human Rights. Since then, in partnership with Hindus for Human Rights Action, the pledge has been nationalized and nearly 100 elected officials and candidates for office in eight states at every level of government – local, state, and federal – have resoundingly rejected the influence and hate peddled by Bhagwat and the R.S.S. Powerfully, the pledge has received a strong endorsement from Tushar Arun Gandhi, the great-grandson of Gandhi, who has lauded the pledge as “a vow to stand up to bullies, mobs, and radical organizations who preach and practice prejudice, hate, and violence.”

“For far too long, R.S.S.-affiliated organizations and individuals have represented themselves as the only advocates for Hindu Americans in US politics. This pledge and its adoption by almost 100 political leaders is a historic rebuke to the R.S.S.’s misrepresentation of South Asian and Hindu American communities,” said Ria Chakrabarty, Executive Director of Hindus for Human Rights Action. “We are so proud to see our multifaith and multiracial coalition of leaders reflecting what the majority of Hindu Americans also believe: we resoundingly reject Hindu majoritarianism and Christian nationalism that seeks to endanger our communities. American democracy is not for sale, and certainly not to hatemongers.”

“Over the past decade, in Illinois alone, individuals tied to the R.S.S. have funneled at least $2.5 million dollars into political campaigns across both parties promoting their anti-democratic, extremist agenda that does not represent the beliefs of the vast majority of South Asian Americans.  Today we announce a multifaith and multiracial coalition of nearly 100 political leaders who stand with us to say that American democracy will not be bought by the super-rich and their extremist agendas,” said Pushkar Sharma, Executive Director of SACRED Acts.

A CALL FOR POLITICAL LEADERS TO TAKE ACTION NOW

Join Hindus for Human Rights Action and SACRED Acts’ call for political leaders to take action now by:

1. Signing the Nonviolence Pledge and joining the movement to stop the R.S.S.’s attempts to influence American political leaders; and

2. Make a public statement supporting the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom’s (USCIRF) call to impose sanctions and bar entry of R.S.S. leaders to the U.S. for “their responsibility and tolerance of severe violations of religious freedom.”

NONVIOLENCE PLEDGE

SIGNATORIES 

(As of August 28, 2026)

Federal

1. Abdul El-Sayed (MI)

2. Adam Hamawy (NJ)

3. Mayor Adrian O. Mapp (Plainfield, NJ)

4. U.S. Rep. Aisha Wahab (CA)

5. Mayor Brad Cohen (East Brunswick, NJ)

6. Brad Lander (NY)

7. Board of Education, Secretary Bushra Amiwala, District 73.5 (IL)

8. Carin Elam (CA)

9. State Assembly Member Claire Valdez (NY)

10. U.S. Rep. Delia Ramirez (IL)

11. State Rep. Donavan McKinney (MI)

12. Dongbo Mark Su (IL)

13. U.S. Rep. Haley Stevens (MI)

14. State Rep. Heath Howard (NH)

15. Jayson Toweh (GA)

16. Jingchao Xiong (CA)

17. Lt Gov. Juliana Stratton (IL)

18. Junaid Ahmed (IL)

19. Kevin Ryan (IL)

20. Kshama Sawant (WA)

21. Kyle Little (NJ)

22. Matt Ortega (CA)

23. State Sen. Mike Simmons (IL)

24. Patricia Brown (IL)

25. U.S. Rep. Pramila Jayapal (WA)

26. U.S. Rep. Ro Khanna (CA)

27. U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly (IL)

28. Saikat Chakrabarti (CA)

29. Sam Polan (IL)

30. Sam Wang (NJ)

31. Somerset County Commissioner Director, Shanel Y. Robinson (NJ)

32. Squire Servance (NJ)

33. Vichal Kumar (NY)  

State

34. State Rep. Aaron Ortiz (IL)

35. State Rep. Abdelnasser Rashid (IL)

36. Adem Bunkeddeko (NY)

37. Ben McAdams (IL)

38. Board of Education Member Brad Beekman, District 170 (IL)

39. State Sen. Celina Villanueva (IL)

40. State Rep. Dagmara “Dee” Avelar (IL)

41. David Orkin (NY)

42. Demi Palecek (IL)

43. State Assembly Member Diana Moreno (NY)

44. State Rep. Edgar Gonzales (IL)

45. Eric Su (IL)

46. State Sen. Graciela Guzman (IL)

47. Guadalupe Rivera (IL)

48. Joe Santangelo (NY)

49. State Rep. Kelly Cassidy (IL)

50. Chicago Police District Council Member, Kenya Franklin, District 3 (IL)

51. State Rep. Kevin John Olickal (IL)

52. State Rep. Lillian Jimenez (IL)

53. State Rep. Lindsey LaPointe (IL)

54. Litcy Kurisinkal (IL)

55. State Rep. Norma Hernandez (IL)

56. State Sen. Omar Aquino (IL)

57. Patrick Hanley (IL)

58. Queens Community Board 2 Member, Patrick Martinez (NY)

59. Paul Friedman (IL)

60. State Sen. Rachel Ventura (IL)

61. State Sen. Ram Villivalam (IL)

62. Ridge Knapp IL)

63. State Sen. Robert Peters (IL)

64. Somnath Ghimire (NY)

65. State Assembly Member Steven Raga (NY)

66. Sunjay Kumar (IL)

67. State Rep. Will Guzzardi (IL)

Local/Municipal

68. Cook County Commissioner Alma Anaya, 7th District (IL)

69. Ambria Taylor (IL)

70. Chicago Alderperson Andre Vasquez (IL)

71. Chicago Alderperson Angela Clay (IL)

72. Ankur Singh (IL)

73. Board of Education Member Anusha Thotakura, District 6A (IL)

74. Trustee Asad Khan, Poplar Creek Library (IL)

75. Chicago Alderperson Byron Sigcho-Lopez (IL)

76. Chicago Alderperson Carlos Ramirez-Rosa (IL)

77. Denali Dasgupta (IL)

78. Chicago Alderperson Desmon Yancy (IL)

79. Chicago Alderperson Jeanette Taylor (IL)

80. New York City Council Member Julie Won (NY)

81. Chicago Alderperson Leni Manaa-Hoppenworth (IL)

82. Chicago Alderperson Maria Hadden (IL)

83. Chicago Alderperson Matt Martin (IL)

84. Meghana Anandarangam (NJ)

85. Chicago Alderperson Michael Rodriguez (IL) 

86. Trustee Nazneen Hashmi, Streamwood (IL)

87. Nick Ward (IL)

88. Chicago Alderperson Ronnie Mosely (IL)

89. Chicago Alderperson Rossana Rodriguez-Sanchez (IL)

90. Commissioner Seema Lindskog, Cupertino Planning Commission (CA)

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Meg will stand up and fight for civil and human rights for all communities in Plainfield

Washington, D.C. (May 27, 2026) ─ Hindus for Human Rights Action (HfHR Action) today announced their endorsement of Meghana (Meg) Anandarangam for Plainfield, NJ City Council Ward 1. Meg is a fighter who is willing to take on the status quo and fight against caste discrimination and religious nationalism while delivering real change for her community.

“HfHR Action is proud to endorse Meghana Anandarangam for Plainfield New Jersey City Council Ward 1. Meg knows the importance of living out Hindu values in practice—fighting for justice and standing up against the forces that seek to divide us. She is a proven champion, advocating for her immigrant neighbors in Queen City being targeted by ICE, and working to tackle issues of affordability, access, and equity for young people and working families who are just trying to get by. As progressive Hindus, we know that Meg will stand up against Hindutva forces in New Jersey who try to weaponize faith and caste against minority communities, and that she will do everything to keep people safe from hate and discrimination, no matter their background.”

“I am honored to be endorsed by Hindus for Human Rights Action in my race for Plainfield City Council Ward 1. I’m a first-generation South Indian and was raised Hindu. I’ve seen how fascism thrives by weaponizing fear to divide us by turning faith, caste, race, and identity into tools of control and by pitting working-class communities against one another. I’m running to reject hate and religious nationalism, defend religious plurality, and fight for dignity and human rights for all,” said Meg Anandarangam.

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Chakrabarti will champion democracy and human rights, fight against caste discrimination, and Hindu nationalism in Congress

Washington, D.C. (May 21, 2026) ─ Hindus for Human Rights Action (HfHR Action) today announced their endorsement of Saikat Chakrabarti to represent California’s 11th district in the United States House of Representatives. Saikat is a vocal and dedicated progressive champion who will speak truth to power and stand against authoritarianism.

“As right-wing nationalist forces take over our country and undermine our democracy, we need progressives in Congress who won’t shy away from a fight. Saikat is a proven champion for justice, truth, and human rights, and has consistently worked to advance policies that will help working families across the country, like the Green New Deal. As progressive Hindu Americans, we need champions who are not afraid to speak truth to power, whether it is here in the U.S. standing up to wannabe-dictators like Trump, or in India, pushing back against autocrats like Modi. HfHR Action is proud to endorse Saikat for Congress because we know he will do just that. Whether it be fighting for economic security and building a system that works for all of us here at home, or advocating for a foreign policy of peace and human rights over war and genocide, we know that Saikat will exemplify our Hindu values of satya, shanti, and nyaya—truth, peace, and justice.”

“I'm proud to stand with Hindus for Human Rights Action in our shared commitment to democracy, pluralism, human dignity, and justice for all people. At a time when too many politicians try to divide people through fear and hatred, we need leaders willing to stand up against authoritarianism, religious nationalism, caste discrimination, and attacks on basic human rights. We deserve a future where all people can live with dignity, safety, and opportunity,” said Saikat Chakrabarti.

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Lander will take on Trump, fight for working families, and champion a bold vision for a just, multiracial democracy

Washington, D.C. (April 30, 2026) ─ Hindus for Human Rights Action (HfHR Action) today announced their endorsement of Brad Lander to represent New York’s 10th district in the United States House of Representatives. Lander will fight for a just and livable future for all, and fight back against the Trump administration’s disastrous and dangerous agenda. 

“Hindus for Human Rights Action is proud to endorse Brad Lander to represent NY-10 in Congress. Brad is a longtime ally and partner to progressive Hindus and South Asians in the fight for democracy and justice in New York and abroad, and will be an incredible champion for working families, immigrants, and all communities in New York. Brad has more than talked about change—he has literally put his body on the line to protect his immigrant neighbors being kidnapped by ICE thugs, he has taken on corporations who work to scam consumers, and he has demonstrated a commitment to a pluralistic, interfaith and multiracial democracy with strong bonds that will stand resilient against the forces that seek to divide us based on religion, race, and class. In Congress, Brad will be an ardent champion for democracy here and in South Asia, pushing for a progressive foreign policy that prioritizes peace instead of war, and diplomacy instead of destruction. We look forward to working with Brad in this mission and support Brad as he does all he can to deliver for New Yorkers.”

“Hindus for Human Rights Action is building a movement rooted in values of peace and justice to strengthen our democracy against the forces of right-wing extremism everywhere,” said Brad Lander, “In a moment where cynics seek to pit communities against each other, Hindus for Human Rights Action charts a different path, uniting traditions and moving from the conviction that our fight must be as broad and as diverse as the communities we are fighting for. I am privileged to have their support as we build exactly that kind of coalition in NY-10 and beyond.”

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Washington, D.C. (April 30, 2026) ─ Hindus for Human Rights Action (HfHR Action) today announced their endorsement of Vichal Kumar to represent New York’s 7th district in the United States House of Representatives. Vichal is a proud, progressive South Asian who will fight for all communities across Brooklyn and Queens.

“Vichal Kumar is a dedicated public servant and an exemplary progressive South Asian who will fight for our communities and all communities being attacked, vilified, and left behind by public figures and our political system at large. Vichal is a vocal champion for civil liberties and human rights here at home and abroad. He talks the talk and walks the walk, defending his community and fighting battles against a broken system alongside his neighbors in NY-07. HfHR Action is proud to endorse Vichal as he seeks to represent New Yorkers—working class, immigrant, everyday New Yorkers—-in the United States Congress. Hindu Americans deserve a champion for dignity and a better future, and we are confident that Vichal would carry out that mission and fight for justice, peace, and truth every single day.”

“I'm honored to have earned the endorsement of Hindus for Human Rights Action. Their commitment to equity and their recognition of how our communities and issues intersect are values that have shaped my career and define our campaign. They represent the commitments that so many Hindu Americans have been waiting to see organized,” said Vichal Kumar. “For 20 years as a public defender, I've stood with the families this system was built to ignore, fighting for recognition, equity and fundamental rights. I'm proud to take zero corporate money and run a community-based campaign that fights for all of us.”

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Washington, D.C. (April 30, 2026) ─ Hindus for Human Rights Action (HfHR Action) today announced their endorsement of Adem Bunkeddeko for New York State Comptroller.

“Adem Bunkeddeko is a champion for the people of New York. He will fight to make sure that public funds actually go towards benefiting the public good. As comptroller, Adem would work to make life easier for millions of New Yorkers, investing in the everyday lives of communities across the state and fighting to make the economy work for working families. An ardent supporter of civil and human rights, Adem will exemplify the values of HfHR Action—peace, justice, and truth—as he works to build a New York that is transparent, just, and works for everyone.”

“I’m honored to receive the support of Hindus for Human Rights, an organization that stands firmly for pluralism, dignity, and justice. Their grassroots work reflects the best of our shared values, standing up to hate and building a society rooted in freedom and respect,” said Adem Bunkeddeko. “That’s the spirit of this campaign. We’re building a grassroots movement to make New York more affordable and more just, especially for marginalized communities of color who have been too often left behind. I’m proud to stand alongside Hindus for Human Rights in that work.”

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Washington (March 23, 2026) ─ Hindus for Human Rights Action (HfHR Action) released the following statement following last Tuesday’s primary elections in Illinois. HfHR Action endorsed Congresswoman Delia Ramirez for IL-03 and Junaid Ahmed for IL-08. HfHR Action also joined the Illinois Against MAGA coalition against the election of Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi to represent Illinois in the United States Senate.

“HfHR Action congratulates Delia Ramirez on her re-election to represent Illinois’ third congressional district in the United States House of Representatives. Congresswoman Ramirez has been a staunch voice against hate and religious nationalism across the world. From her leadership on the Block the Bombs Act to her defense of immigrants being kidnapped by ICE, Delia will continue to be a champion for our communities, for democracy, and for human rights in the United States and around the globe.”

“Though the results in Illinois’ eighth district were not what we had hoped for, we are grateful for the hard-fought campaign led by Junaid Ahmed. AIPAC and other dark money, corporate, right wing megadonors tipped the scales in this race but Junaid fought hard, building a strong, wide-reaching campaign that stood up for the values that HfHR Action holds close. He fought for peace, justice, and truth, promising to stand against caste discrimination, Hindu nationalism, the genocide in Gaza, ICE kidnapping our neighbors, and to fight for our democracy as Donald Trump and MAGA Republicans dismantle our own. We look forward to working with Junaid to continue this battle, and thank him for his dedication to his community and to the people of IL-08.

“We are also glad to see that the voters of Illinois voted with their values, rejected Raja Krishnamoorthi’s bid to represent them in the United States Senate, and in turn rejected a coalition of right wing, MAGA-aligned forces. But we know the fight is far from over. Hindu supremacist donors will flood elections with money at the cost of Hindu American civil rights. Our job is to make sure our voices drown out their dollars.”

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Jayapal is a consistent champion for human rights in South Asia

Washington, D.C. (February 19, 2026) ─ Hindus for Human Rights Action (HfHR Action) today announced their endorsement of Pramila Jayapal for re-election to represent Washington’s 7th district in the United States Congress. Congresswoman Jayapal has been a consistent champion for human rights, advocating for pluralism, democracy, and justice in the United States, South Asia, and around the world.

“Congresswoman Jayapal has shown a serious and genuine commitment to the advancement of human rights, particularly the rights of religious and ethnic minorities, in South Asia and around the globe. While autocrats launch attacks on democracy, religious freedom, and human rights, we need leaders who will not only reaffirm the values of peace, justice, and truth, but act on them boldly and proudly. As Hindu Americans, we are proud to endorse Congresswoman Jayapal, who has been a staunch Hindu voice against Hindu nationalism and bigotry in all its forms. We look forward to working with her to tackle the challenges posed by the creep of right-wing religious nationalism from the U.S. to India, and to build a progressive foreign policy that seeks to bring about peace.”

“I am honored to have the support of Hindu Americans who are called toward justice, compassion, and pluralism — not division or hate.” said Congresswoman Jayapal on the endorsement. “Our shared work is about protecting the rights of religious and ethnic minorities, defending democratic institutions, and advancing policy rooted in human rights, dignity, and peace for all people.”

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Mamdani campaign brought together South Asian New Yorkers from all backgrounds, faiths, castes

Washington, D.C. (November 5, 2025) ─ Hindus for Human Rights Action (HfHR Action) today congratulated Democratic candidate Zohran Mamdani’s victory in the New York City Mayoral election. Mamdani ran on a platform to lower costs for New Yorkers and transform the city into one in which people can afford to live, feel safe and secure, and thrive instead of just make ends meet. HfHR Action was proud to endorse Mamdani as the only candidate in the race who showed he was ready to take on Trump’s authoritarian agenda, fight for the dignity and safety of all people, and who was steadfast in their commitment to civil and human rights in the U.S. and abroad. In the face of a barrage of Islamophobia and racism, often coming from Hindu nationalist sources in India and the US, HfHR Action felt it was urgent to support Mamdani.

“Zohran Mamdani has demonstrated that he will fight for all New Yorkers and stand for the rights of all South Asian communities in the city, regardless of faith, ethnicity, or caste. Mamdani has energized South Asian Americans, including Hindu Americans, to fight for a democracy they believe in. HfHR Action is ready to work with Mamdani to build a better New York for Hindu New Yorkers and all of the city’s residents,” said a spokesperson for the organization.

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