‘If you’re going to put a label on…’: US Hindu leader slams Chicago Tribune over ‘far-right ideological’ claims

American Hindu advocacy leaders criticize the Chicago Tribune for describing the Hindu American Foundation as part of “far-right transnational ideology” in a report on fundraising by Democratic lawmakers and Indian-American leaders Raja Krishnamurthy.Suhag A. Shukla, co-founder and executive director of the Hindu American Foundation, responded to The X, accusing the newspaper of failing to contact the organization before publishing the statement.“Hey Chicago Tribune — quick question about journalistic standards,” Shukla wrote.She added: “If you’re going to label an organization like Indian Americans as part of ‘far-right transnational ideology,’ maybe try… contacting the organization first? We know, that’s a crazy idea.”Her comments came in response to a Chicago Tribune article examining fundraising efforts in the Illinois Democratic primary to replace retiring U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin. Krishnamoorthy is running against the state’s Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton and Congresswoman Robin Kelly.Krishnamoorthy’s strong fundraising record and sources of political donations were reported. He raised about $30.5 million between early 2025 and late February, according to campaign finance data cited by the newspaper. That makes him one of the top-funding federal candidates in the country this election cycle.The article also examines donations from the Indian-American community, which has been a major source of funding for members of Congress. Analysts cited in the report said about half of the money raised by Krishnamoorthy’s campaign ahead of the 2022 election came from Indian-American donors. It cited a 2025 report describing the Hindu American Foundation as part of an alleged transnational far-right ideological network.Krishnamoorthy rejected suggestions that donations from individuals linked to these groups would influence his policies. In response to the Tribune, he said his campaign has broad community and donor support.“I have the support of an incredibly diverse group of people, including Muslims, Jews, Hindus, Christians and others,” he said. He added: “I also fight to defend the rights of all groups, whether Jewish, Muslim, Hindu, Christian, non-believer or anyone else.”