Indian American Student's Dismissal Sparks Debate on Anti-Indian Sentiment in U.S.

The recent dismissal of Vasant Bhatt, a 21-year-old Indian American student journalist, from Campus Reform has ignited discussions about the increasing anti-Indian sentiment in U.S. politics. Bhatt's decision to vote for a Democrat as a protest against bigotry has drawn attention to the challenges faced by Indian Americans, particularly in conservative circles. His removal from the correspondent program has raised questions about the implications of political expression and the treatment of minority voices in the current political climate. This incident comes at a time when anti-Indian rhetoric is becoming more prevalent, especially with the midterm elections approaching. The situation underscores the need for a broader dialogue on inclusivity and representation in American politics.

By Narendra Chaudhary Oct 24, 2026, 12:27 IST

Controversy Surrounds Indian American Student's Political Stance

File image of Indian American student Vasant Bhatt(Photo: IANS)

Washington, Oct 24: A 21-year-old Indian American student journalist from Texas has reported that his position as a correspondent for the conservative outlet Campus Reform has been terminated. This decision followed his public declaration of voting for a Democrat as a protest against anti-Indian discrimination, highlighting the growing tensions regarding Indian Americans within conservative circles in the U.S.

Vasant Bhatt, who studies political science at the University of Houston, shared this news on social media on Friday.

In his post, he stated, "I exercised my constitutional right to vote based on my beliefs, voiced my opposition to anti-Indian bigotry, and chose not to conform to the Republican Party's stance. Consequently, my role in Campus Reform's correspondent program has been ended."

He added, "Being removed from this program will not cause me to change my views or abandon my community."

Campus Reform has yet to respond to Bhatt's allegations. His profile, previously listed as a "Senior Correspondent," has been removed from the website.

Earlier this month, Bhatt gained attention for voting for Democrat James Talarico instead of Republican Ken Paxton in the Texas Senate race, expressing his dismay over the xenophobic sentiments and assaults on the identity of Indian Americans.

His biography on Campus Reform mentioned that he had interned for Senator Ted Cruz's re-election campaign and participated in the Texas Youth Summit, a significant event for young conservatives in the state.

Suhag Shukla, the executive director of the Hindu American Foundation, condemned the extreme right's attacks on Bhatt in a personal post on social media, connecting them to the atmosphere that led to a thwarted plot at a Hindu temple in Aurora, Illinois.

Campus Reform is an initiative of the Leadership Institute, a conservative non-profit organization based in Virginia that focuses on training young activists.

This incident occurs amidst a broader discussion regarding anti-Indian rhetoric in U.S. politics, including attacks on Indian American candidates ahead of the upcoming midterm elections and online harassment directed at Indian H-1B visa holders. Indian American lawmakers have warned that such rhetoric could lead to violence, referencing the Aurora temple incident.

Texas is home to one of the largest populations of Indian Americans in the United States, particularly in the Houston and Dallas-Fort Worth regions.