Indian-American groups slam Rhode Island Lt. Governor for honoring 'Hindu supremacist' Kajal Hindustani

By A Representative 

A coalition of Indian-American and South Asian organizations has strongly criticized the office of Rhode Island Lieutenant Governor Sabina Matos for issuing an official certificate of recognition to Kajal Hindustani, a figure widely known for promoting Hindu supremacist rhetoric. 

In a letter addressed to the Lieutenant Governor, the organizations expressed shock and disappointment, stating that the honor legitimizes a person who has incited violence and hatred against Muslims, Christians, Dalits, and Sikhs in India and abroad.

The letter emphasizes that Hindustani’s public record is fundamentally at odds with the certificate’s language, which describes her as advancing public awareness, protecting women, and promoting social harmony. 

According to the Center for the Study of Organized Hate, Hindustani—also known as Kajal Singhala—delivered more hate speeches than any other Hindu supremacist figure in 2023 and has continued unabated in 2024. She is accused of promoting the “love jihad” conspiracy theory, urging Hindus to arm themselves against non-Hindus, and calling for economic boycotts targeting Muslims and Christians. Her rhetoric has had real-world consequences, including her arrest in Gujarat for hate speech following a Ram Navami event that turned violent.

Citing multiple incidents, the groups noted that New York City Mayor Eric Adams recently withdrew from an event upon learning that Hindustani would be speaking. In Dallas, her call for a Muslim economic boycott led to a police complaint filed by Christian and Muslim leaders, urging an investigation into her remarks as hate speech.

The coalition, which includes the Indian American Muslim Council, Hindus for Human Rights, Justice For All, and several other organizations, has demanded that the Lieutenant Governor immediately revoke the certificate, publicly condemn Hindustani’s actions, issue an apology to affected communities, and commit to training on Hindu supremacist ideologies. The signatories argue that continuing to honor such a figure undermines the principles of justice and inclusivity that the State of Rhode Island stands for.