WASHINGTON (Diya TV) — Democratic Rep. Ro Khanna sharply criticized far-right internet provocateur Nick Fuentes after Fuentes launched race- and religion-based attacks against Indian American Republicans Vivek Ramaswamy and Usha Vance. Khanna called the remarks “chilling” and warned that such rhetoric reflects a dangerous strain of extremist politics in the United States. The dispute has drawn national attention as debates over race, religion, and identity intensify ahead of the 2028 election cycle. It has also highlighted growing concerns among Indian Americans about rising hate speech in political discourse.

Khanna, an Indian American lawmaker representing California, spoke out after Fuentes described Ramaswamy as an “anchor baby” and questioned his eligibility to lead Ohio because he is Hindu. Fuentes has also repeatedly targeted Usha Vance, the wife of Vice President JD Vance, using racist and anti-Indian slurs.

“Nick, your campaigning against Vivek Ramaswamy because he is Hindu and of Indian heritage to send a message to JD Vance in 2028 is chilling,” Khanna wrote on X. He added that he rejected Fuentes’s “bigotry against Vivek and Usha Vance.”

Khanna stressed that religious diversity is a core American value. He noted that many Hindu Americans, including members of his own family, celebrate Christmas.

Fuentes, a YouTuber known for white nationalist views, has argued that Ramaswamy’s Hindu faith disqualifies him from public office. During a recent podcast, Fuentes said defeating Ramaswamy was his only concern in the Ohio governor’s race. He claimed that a non-Christian governor would end Christmas traditions at the Ohio Governor’s Mansion. He used inflammatory language to describe Ramaswamy’s background and insisted that Ramaswamy should be barred from becoming governor.

The phrase “anchor baby,” which Fuentes repeatedly used, is widely viewed as a slur against U.S.-born children of immigrants. Birthright citizenship is guaranteed under the U.S. Constitution.

Fuentes has also targeted Usha Vance, who was born in the United States to Indian immigrant parents. He labeled Vice President JD Vance a “race traitor” for marrying a non-white woman.

JD Vance responded publicly and forcefully, telling Fuentes to “eat s–t” after the attacks on his wife. The vice president’s rebuke drew bipartisan attention and further isolated Fuentes within mainstream political circles. Khanna echoed that defense and said Fuentes’s remarks toward the Vance family crossed a clear moral line.

Ramaswamy was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1985. His parents immigrated from southern India. His mother worked as a geriatric psychiatrist, and his father was an engineer and patent attorney. He grew up in a Hindu household and later attended Harvard University, where he earned a degree in biology. He went on to receive a law degree from Yale Law School.

After building a career as an entrepreneur, Ramaswamy entered politics and gained national attention during his presidential run. He is now considered the frontrunner in Ohio’s gubernatorial race. He has secured endorsements from several prominent Republicans, including President Donald Trump.

Khanna said Fuentes’ attacks reflect a broader pattern of targeting Indian American Republicans. He warned that such rhetoric aims to define American identity through race and religion rather than shared values. Ramaswamy has repeatedly condemned racism and antisemitism. At a recent conservative gathering, he said American identity should rest on ideals, not ancestry or lineage.

Despite criticism from elected officials, Fuentes has escalated his language. He has portrayed Ramaswamy and his family as outsiders and suggested they should “go back to India.” He has mocked their heritage and questioned their loyalty to the country.

Khanna framed his response as a warning, not just a defense of political rivals. He said silence in the face of such language would normalize intolerance.