New York – Controversial Hindutva figure Kajal Hindusthani, known by her real name Kajal Singhala, triggered widespread outrage during an event in New York on July 23 by referring to Muslims as “enemies of Hindus” and “zombies.” Speaking at a Hindu Unity Conference, she delivered a string of inflammatory remarks that were widely condemned by interfaith communities across the United States, reported the Siasat.
In an unprecedented move, Hindusthani used derogatory religious imagery, comparing Muslims to “Mahishasura”—a demon from Hindu mythology. Her speech continued to promote dangerous stereotypes, suggesting that the Muslim community poses a threat to Hindus in India.
The event sparked controversy even before it was held, with a coalition of Muslim, Christian, Hindu, and Sikh organizations, including the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-NC), the Indian American Muslim Council, the Sikh Coalition, and Muslims for Social Justice, demanding the cancellation of her U.S. tour.
Addressing the backlash, Hindusthani responded with a communal slur, stating, “It’s everyone’s America, Mullo ka baap ka America thodi hai,” using the term “Mullah” in a derogatory sense to demean Muslims. She then called for collective action, saying, “Is Zombie se ladna hai toh milke karna padega” (“If we have to fight the zombies, we must do it together”).
Her speech also included unfounded claims targeting the growing Muslim population in India. She alleged, “Abduls will occupy the bungalows you build,” and accused Muslims of being “hyper-reproductive,” claiming that they produce “multiple children like soldiers.”
Hindusthani also attacked Bollywood actors Salman Khan and Saif Ali Khan, accusing them of trapping Hindu women in an alleged religious conversion conspiracy. She cited Saif’s children—Taimur, Jehangir, Sara, and Ibrahim—as examples of so-called “love jihad.”
Furthering her conspiracy theories, she claimed Muslim men receive funding from oil-rich Gulf countries to lure Hindu women and spread communal hatred. Previously, Hindusthani was jailed in India for promoting the controversial narratives of “love jihad” and “land jihad.”
Despite the hateful tone of her speech, it was met with applause from sections of the Indian-American audience. However, her visit to the U.S. drew significant protest. In a notable move, New York Mayor Eric Adams opted out of attending the event following the public uproar.
These remarks have once again raised concerns over rising Islamophobia and hate speech propagated by Hindutva ideologues, especially when such narratives are exported beyond Indian borders.
