Minnesota Resolution Condemning Hinduphobia Gains Support as CoHNA Highlights Community Concerns

by SAH Staff Reporter March 17, 2026

By SAH Staff Reporter March 17, 2026 0 comments 3 minutes read

Courtesy: CoHNA

The Coalition of Hindus of North America (CoHNA) has welcomed the introduction of Resolution SF 4115 in the Minnesota Legislature, which seeks to condemn Hinduphobia and anti-Hindu bigotry. According to the organization, the initiative reflects sustained advocacy by members of the local Hindu community for greater recognition and protection.

The resolution has garnered broad support, with more than 400 Minnesotans signing a letter organized by CoHNA urging its passage.

“The resolution, introduced in the Minnesota Senate on March 9, reflects a growing recognition of the discrimination and hostility faced by Hindu Americans and reaffirms Minnesota’s long-standing commitment to religious freedom, pluralism, and mutual respect,” said CoHNA in a statement.

Community leaders presented testimony before the Minnesota Senate Judiciary and Public Safety Committee in support of the resolution. Neha Markanda, director of CoHNA’s Minnesota chapter, and Raj Dash, deputy director, spoke on behalf of the Hindu community. They highlighted incidents reported both within the state and nationally, including alleged hate speech targeting a temple in Edina, thefts at priests’ homes in Maple Grove, and prior instances of vandalism and intimidation directed at Hindu institutions, the statement noted.

“Hate without a name often gets ignored,” Markanda testified. “Institutional recognition from Minnesota lawmakers is critical to reassuring the broader community that their pain is seen — and that together we uphold the promise of safety and dignity for every Minnesotan.”

CoHNA stated that members of the Hindu community also submitted a letter to the committee documenting incidents affecting Hindus in Minnesota and urging support for the resolution. The letter, signed by more than 400 community members within a short period, called for increased awareness of Hinduphobia, improved mechanisms for reporting hate incidents, and greater inclusion of Hindu communities in anti-bias and diversity initiatives.

Ethan Roberts, deputy executive director of the Jewish Community Relations Council, also testified, emphasizing the importance of addressing religious bigotry across communities. “The Hindu community is clearly being targeted. We, as Jews, know the danger when hatred is minimized, dismissed or left unnamed, and that’s why this resolution matters,” he said.

Vijendra Agarwal, an executive member of CoHNA’s Minnesota chapter, noted that “Roberts’ testimony underscored the broader coalition behind the measure and the need to recognize anti-Hindu bias with the same seriousness afforded to other forms of hate.”

CoHNA said its Minnesota chapter has been working with lawmakers, community members, and local stakeholders to provide data and raise awareness about concerns facing Hindu Americans. It pointed to reports of increasing incidents nationwide, including temple shootings, assaults, and online hate campaigns. A 2022 Rutgers University report documented the spread of anti-Hindu disinformation and harassment on social media, along with concerns about the potential for real-life violence. Data from California has also indicated a rise in anti-Hindu incidents.

“Hindu Americans have long contributed to the social, cultural, and economic fabric of Minnesota and the United States. Ensuring that Hindu communities can practice their faith freely and without fear is essential to upholding the values of equality and mutual respect that define American democracy,” the statement added.

CoHNA said it will continue working with lawmakers, community leaders, and interfaith partners to ensure that all Minnesotans are able to practice their faith freely and without fear.