Kamal Ghorui
US-based Hindu advocacy leader criticised the Chicago Tribune after the newspaper described the Hindu American Foundation as part of a “far-right transnational ideology” in a report about fundraising by Democratic Congressman and Indian-origin leader Raja Krishnamoorthi.Suhag A. Shukla, co-founder and executive director of the Hindu American Foundation, reacted on X, accusing the newspaper of failing to contact the organisation before publishing the claim.“Hey Chicago tribune — quick question about journalistic standards,” Shukla wrote.She added: “If you’re going to label organizations like HinduAmerican as part of a ‘far-right transnational ideology,’ maybe try… contacting the organization first? Wild concept, we know.” Her comments came in response to a Chicago Tribune article examining fundraising in the Illinois Democratic primary race to replace retiring US Senator Dick Durbin. Krishnamoorthi is competing against Juliana Stratton, the state’s lieutenant governor, and Congresswoman Robin Kelly.The report said Krishnamoorthi’s strong fundraising record and the sources of his political donations. According to campaign finance data cited by the newspaper, he raised about $30.5 million between the start of 2025 and late February. That makes him one of the highest-fundraising federal candidates in the United States this election cycle.The article also looked at donations from the Indian American community, which has been a major source of funding for the congressman. Analysts cited in the report said that about half of the money raised for Krishnamoorthi’s campaigns up to the 2022 election came from Indian American donors. It cited a 2025 report that described the Hindu American Foundation as part of what it called a transnational far-right ideological network.Krishnamoorthi rejected suggestions that donations from individuals linked to such groups would influence his policies. In response to the Tribune, he said his campaign had received support from a wide range of communities and donors.“I have received support from an extremely diverse group of people, which includes Muslims, Jews, Hindus, Christians, and others,” he said. He added: “I have also fought to defend the rights of all groups, whether Jewish, Muslim, Hindu, Christians, non-believers, or anyone else.”
