JD Vance Faces Backlash for Urging Hindu Wife Usha to Convert, Accused of Hypocrisy and Political Opportunism

A remark by US Vice President JD Vance has sparked a storm across American and Indian circles alike, after he expressed his wish that his wife, Usha Bala Chilukuri Vance, a practicing Hindu, should eventually embrace Christianity. The statement, made at a Turning Point USA event, has drawn widespread criticism, with many accusing Vance of hypocrisy, religious insensitivity, and political opportunism.

Faith, Politics, and a Controversial Comment

During the event, Vance responded to a question from an Indian-origin student who asked how he reconciles his rigid views on religion and immigration with his interfaith marriage. Vance, who converted from evangelical Protestantism to Catholicism in 2019, recounted how he and Usha were both “agnostic or atheist” when they met at Yale Law School.

He then stated: “Most Sundays, Usha will come with me to church… I do hope that one day she’s moved by the same thing that I was moved by. I believe in the Christian gospel and I hope eventually my wife comes to see it the same way.”

While Vance added that “free will” allows everyone to choose their faith, critics argue that his tone suggested an expectation of conversion rather than respect for Usha’s Hindu identity.

Indian American Community Reacts Strongly

The backlash was immediate. Indian American groups, public figures, and social media users condemned Vance’s remarks, accusing him of undermining his wife’s faith for political gain. Former Indian diplomat Kanwal Sibal called him “afraid to admit her Hindu origin,” while tech executive Deep Barot labelled him “the biggest hypocrite,” reminding followers that the couple had a Vedic-Catholic wedding and even named one of their children Vivek.

The controversy has also unfolded at a politically sensitive time, as anti-India sentiment grows among sections of the US right wing. Many saw Vance’s comments as an attempt to appease Christian nationalist voters in anticipation of a 2028 presidential run, positioning himself as a faith-first conservative while distancing from his wife’s Hindu background.

Rumours and Political Speculation

Fueling the controversy further were social media rumours about Vance’s alleged closeness with Erika Kirk, widow of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, after photos surfaced showing them together at a public event. Some critics speculated about an impending separation, suggesting that Vance may consider distancing himself from his “Hindu First Lady” image to maintain political viability within conservative circles.

Usha Vance’s Stand on Faith

Usha Vance, born to Telugu immigrant parents, has consistently identified with her Hindu upbringing and declined to convert. In past interviews, she described her faith as the foundation of her values and morality, adding that she ensures their children learn about both Hindu and Christian traditions. “The kids know I’m not Catholic, and they have plenty of access to Hindu books and rituals,” she said in a Fox News interview earlier this year.

Her stance contrasts sharply with her husband’s public remarks, highlighting a deepening tension between personal belief and political strategy.

Faith, Freedom, and Political Optics

What began as an offhand response has snowballed into a defining moment in Vance’s political career. For a politician who once described his wife as his “spiritual guide” and credited her with helping him heal from childhood trauma, the recent episode suggests a willingness to compromise personal respect for electoral optics.

As Vance navigates his role as vice president and a likely 2028 contender, his handling of this controversy could shape his image as either a devout family man or a leader willing to sacrifice personal integrity at the altar of political ambition.

The episode also reignites a broader conversation about religious tolerance, interfaith respect, and authenticity in American politics—themes that will likely echo far beyond the 2028 campaign trail.