By Dr Abhilash Maroju
Michigan | November 3, 2026: There are moments in public life when a difficult decision brings not applause, but criticism from colleagues, political allies, and longtime supporters.
Representative Haley Stevens is facing such a moment.
Americans4Hindus (A4H) recognizes Representative Stevens’s decision to cross party lines and endorse Mike Rogers for the United States Senate, as well as her willingness to explain her convictions publicly despite the political consequences.
Representative Stevens has described her decision as one of conscience. She has expressed concerns about political rhetoric, the treatment of Jewish and Black Michiganders, and the need to rebuild trust across communities.
Her decision has generated significant disagreement, including criticism from Democratic leaders and members of her former staff.
This moment raises a question larger than any single candidate or election:
Can Americans disagree profoundly about politics while preserving freedom of conscience, mutual respect, and the dignity of those with whom they disagree?
Americans4Hindus believes these principles are essential to the strength of our constitutional democracy.
Conscience Must Remain Free
America’s democratic institutions depend upon elected representatives who are accountable to the people and free to exercise independent judgment. Political parties are important instruments of representative government. They are not substitutes for individual conscience or constitutional principles.
Representative Stevens has made a decision that she believes reflects her convictions and concerns for Michigan. Her constituents and fellow Americans are free to evaluate that decision and reach their own conclusions. But political disagreement must never become a justification for personal intimidation or hatred.
Freedom of conscience is not a privilege granted by political parties. It is a fundamental American principle.
The Constitution Must Remain Supreme
Americans4Hindus reaffirms its unwavering commitment to the United States Constitution, religious liberty, equal protection, and the rule of law. The Constitution is the supreme law of the United States.
No religious legal code, whether described as Sharia or arising from any other religious tradition, can supersede the Constitution or be imposed through government in violation of constitutional rights. At the same time, the First Amendment protects the freedom of Americans of every faith to practice their religion peacefully and voluntarily.
These principles protect Hindu Americans, Muslim Americans, Jewish Americans, Christian Americans, and citizens of every religious or nonreligious background.
Our constitutional rights do not depend upon religious identity, political affiliation, or agreement with those in power.
A Call for Dignity in Public Life
The intensity of political disagreements in Michigan and across the nation has placed increasing pressure on public officials, community leaders, and ordinary citizens.
Americans4Hindus believes our nation must preserve the distinction between vigorous political debate and personal hostility. We must defend the right to disagree. We must reject intimidation.
And we must ensure that political differences do not destroy the mutual respect upon which democratic society depends. Representative Stevens’s decision has brought these questions into sharp focus. A4H recognizes her willingness to speak publicly about her convictions and accepts that Americans will evaluate her decision differently.
Our commitment to civil rights, religious freedom, constitutional government, and the dignity of every individual remains firm.
Statement from Americans4Hindus Michigan Leadership
“Hatred must never triumph over humanity. Political loyalty must never supersede human dignity. And courage in the face of intolerance must never stand alone.”
“America’s strength rests in its Constitution, the freedom of individual conscience, and the ability of citizens to disagree without becoming enemies.”
“No Loyalty Tests. Equal Rights. Equal Voice. Equal Participation.”
Issued by Americans4Hindus Michigan Leadership
Anand Sinha
National Chief Information Officer & Chair, Social Media
Americans4Hindus
Pramod Thanedar
President, Michigan Chapter
Americans4Hindus
Dr. Ajith Kadakol
Chairperson, Michigan Chapter
Americans4Hindus
Suril Patel
Director, Political Research
Americans4Hindus
About Americans4Hindus (A4H):
Americans4Hindus is dedicated to empowering Hindu Americans through political education, leadership development, strategic endorsements, and community mobilization. Americans4Hindus continues to expand its national presence by building alliances, empowering communities, and advancing democratic engagement across the United States
For further information or media inquiries, please contact:
Americans4Hindus (A4H):
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.americans4hindus.org
“We are not just participating – we are shaping the future. From school boards to the U.S. Congress, American Hindus are ready to lead.”
— Americans4Hindus.
