Columbus, Ohio, USA: Nalin Haley has criticised the Indian American Republican candidate for likening Hindu gods to the Christian Holy Trinity.

Nalin Haley, son of former U.N. ambassador and Republican leader Nikki Haley, described Vivek Ramaswamy’s recent statements on Christianity as “blasphemous," fueling a heated online debate over religion and politics amid the Ohio governor’s race.

Posting on X, Nalin Haley stated, “Just when you think it can’t get worse. Comparing the Holy Trinity to your 330 million gods is blasphemous, disrespectful, and an insult to every Christian. If you intend to run for governor in a Christian-majority state, at least take the time to understand our faith instead of slandering it.”

The remarks follow Ramaswamy’s address to a crowd at a Turning Point USA event in Ohio on October 7. Identifying himself as a follower of the monotheistic Vedanta tradition within Hinduism, Ramaswamy clarified that his campaign is secular, emphasising, “I’m not running to be pastor of Ohio. I’m running to be governor of Ohio, and I didn’t run to be pastor of America. I ran to be president of the United States.”

During the event, Ramaswamy drew parallels between Hinduism and Christianity, questioning if belief in the Holy Trinity made Christians polytheistic. He asked an attendee, “That doesn’t make you a polytheist, does it? That’s a similar philosophy.”

The comments quickly sparked reactions on social media, with some questioning both Ramaswamy’s and Haley’s understanding of religion and heritage. One user wrote, “There aren’t 330 million gods, as you claim. And by your logic, what does that mean for your Sikh grandparents?”

Others pointed out that members of the Haley family, including Nalin, wear a Sikh religious bracelet called a kada. “It’s a beautiful way to honour your grandparents’ Sikh faith,” one user commented. “I hope you extend the same respect to other religions as well.”

Some responses linked the discussion to wider identity politics in the U.S. One commenter noted, “He’s a young person navigating an America where white Identitarianism is growing. Eventually, immigrants will assimilate and embrace American values more fervently than today’s AmericaFirsters.”

Nikki Haley, who has frequently referred to herself as “half Indian” and of Sikh heritage, has yet to publicly address her son’s comments or the controversy.