New Delhi: Indian-American leaders recently elected in the US are celebrating Diwali by meeting Indian-origin people to light a lamp to honour the festival.
In the United States mid-term elections, a significant number of Indian-American candidates such as Ami Bera, Ro Khanna, Suhas Subramanyam and Pramila Jayapal secured a victory.
On Sunday, US Representative and Democratic party member Jayapal condemned an act by America’s far-right activists disrupting a Diwali celebration in Seattle.
Jayapal reposted a video shared by journalist Jonathan Choe that showed the Conservative activists Jake Lang and Thoman Allen storming into a Diwali event.
The video showed the activists displaying placards that read, “deport all dotheads” and “stop Hindu replacement of Christians.”
“I am beyond disgusted by this vile and racist display. Diwali is an important holiday and our community should feel safe to celebrate it. This hateful display has no place in our city or this country,” wrote Jayapal.
Ami Bera, an Indian-American Democratic leader who was re-elected to the US House of Representatives for the eighth consecutive time, posted a photo of himself lighting a candle.
Bera won California’s third Congressional district, defeating Robb Tucker of the Republican Party.
“Wishing a safe, healthy, and joyous Diwali to everyone celebrating in the Sacramento region and around the world. As we celebrate the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil, may this Festival of Lights inspire us to come together and build a brighter future for all,” wrote Ami Bera.
Indian-American Congressman Ro Khanna marked Diwali celebrations in the United States, hailing the Democrats’ electoral performance in the 2026 midterms.
“Good over Bad, Light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance. This Diwali, I will (be) celebrating Nov 3,” wrote Khanna on X.
The Democrats swept the polls, winning 254 seats in the House.
Suhas Subramanyam was elected to the US House of Representatives. He posted photos with Indian-origin people.
“Happy Diwali! May we strive every day to ensure that light triumphs over darkness,” wrote Subramanyam.
Nithya Varsha Raman is an American politician and urban planner who is the mayor-elect of Los Angeles. On Instagram she posted a poster wishing Diwali.
“May this Festival of Lights bring joy, hope, and new beginnings to our city,” she wrote.