Lieutenant Governor Faces Allegations Of Ties To Extremist Group

MARYLAND News (8/7/2023) – Aruna Miller, who made history as Maryland’s first South Asian woman elected as state lieutenant governor, is under scrutiny for her connections to far-right Hindu nationalist groups and alleged intimidation of critics.

Public records reveal that Miller has received at least $110,000 in funding from donors linked to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), a Hindu nationalist political party, and Hindutva, a far-right nationalist ideology akin to white supremacy.

The BJP-led government in India, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has been criticized by Human Rights Watch for its discrimination and marginalization of religious and ethnic minorities, particularly Muslims.

Critics claim that Miller has close ties to the Hindu far-right movement and have called on her to disassociate from the Hindu supremacist ideology. However, Miller and Maryland’s first Black governor, Wes Moore, have defended her campaign’s funding sources and refuted any connection to the Hindutva movement.

Despite their claims, the Moore-Miller campaign received significant contributions from donors associated with the Overseas Friends of the Bharatiya Janata Party, raising questions about their associations with the far-right movement.

Critics argue that accepting money from such donors raises concerns about supporting the Hindutva movement and its divisive ideologies. Similar concerns have been raised about other Democrats receiving contributions from the same individuals, though they are not criticized as extensively as Miller.

Critics who have tried to expose Miller’s ties to the far-right movement have faced what they describe as “retaliation.” Some allege they were threatened and warned against voicing their concerns.

Calls have been made for Miller to denounce Modi’s actions more explicitly, as he has been accused of human rights violations and enabling communal violence against minorities in India.

Genocide Watch and other human rights organizations have pointed out Modi’s track record of violating religious freedom and marginalizing minority groups.

Groups like the Indian American Muslim Council have publicly condemned Miller’s association with the Hindutva movement and urged her to reject funding from individuals linked to the far-right Hindu movement.

Miller’s office has defended her record, emphasizing that she has consistently spoken out against hateful ideologies and stands for freedom, inclusion, and respect for all Marylanders. However, critics maintain that her connections raise concerns about promoting values not aligned with American principles.