Nov 7
Vibhuti Jha, the Republican candidate for the 16th Assembly District in Nassau County, was criticised for her allegedly anti-Muslim and anti-Sikh Twitter tweets by Democratic Governor Kathy Hochul and the Nassau Republican Party.
Republican Lee Zeldin is Hochul's opponent in the race for reelection. Hochul tweeted: "Racism and Islamophobia do not align with the principles of New York. This hatred is completely unacceptable in our state, and I strongly condemn it."
According to a statement from Mike Deery of the Nassau GOP: "We vehemently condemn all acts of hatred as well as rhetoric that fosters hatred. We stand in solidarity with the Muslim and Sikh communities who have been the targets of repugnant, ignorant, and vile tweets. In the strongest terms possible, the Nassau County Republican Committee denounces this repulsive act."
When pressed further on how Jha was chosen to challenge Democratic incumbent Gina Sillitti for the Assembly seat on the Republican ticket, Deery remained silent. Jha is a supporter of the Conservative Party.
Jha, a 70-year-old from Port Washington, later removed his tweets and offered an apology.
Democratic officials provided Newsday with screenshots of his tweets before the posts were deleted.
Jha commented on November 17, 2019: "Unfortunately, Islam has no understanding of respect for others or reciprocity. Nothing will change unless sharia slavery is abolished. Unluckily, everyone practises extremism, which is a part of Islamic [sic] doctrine."
Jha said on December 13, 2020: "Hindus practise non-discrimination and have an inclusive faith; Christianity and Islam do not, and both hold a false feeling of "own superiority"! They view celebrating their holidays as evidence of Hindu inferiority!"
On December 28, 2020, he wrote: "The Sikh "asylum" scam for immigration to the US is genuine, and it needs to be uncovered. Those "forced" to stand and oppose ANYTHING against India are bogus asylum seekers!"
Jha stated on February 16 of this year: "Islam could think about resisting their own definition of themselves! That will benefit all of humanity."
Jha issued a statement to Newsday late on Friday in response to a question about the tweets, expressing his "deep regret" for them.
"My life's objectives and top priorities are centred on uniting people and promoting diversity. Additionally, I am committed to promoting various points of view, "Jha, a strategic adviser at the management consulting firm Human Potential Project in Seattle, made this statement.
Nevertheless, he added, "I am conscious that some of the messages I shared on my Twitter feed may have unintentionally offended some people or groups.
"I sincerely apologise for any and all of my tweets, which were unwanted and upsetting. I sincerely want to learn from this experience. I shall continue to act and speak in a way that promotes my openness and humility."
It was "disappointing and alarming to hear that my opponent had been spewing nasty speech towards our Muslim and Sikh neighbours for years," said Sillitti, 44, who was elected in 2020.
The communities of Great Neck, Manhasset, Port Washington, Lake Success, Herricks, and portions of New Hyde Park, Roslyn, East Hills, and Old Westbury are included in the 16th Assembly District on the North Shore.
