Queens, New York City, NY, USA: New York State Assembly Member Jenifer Rajkumar has accused supporters of her Democratic primary challenger, David Orkin, of engaging in religious targeting during the final days of a closely watched election campaign in South Queens.

Voters are scheduled to cast their ballots on June 23 as Rajkumar seeks re-election to represent New York's 38th Assembly District.

In a post shared on X, Rajkumar alleged that the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) had spent significant amounts on campaign advertisements that, according to her, suggest she is "an agent of a foreign government" because of her Hindu faith.

Rajkumar criticized the campaign tactics, stating that efforts to create division based on religion contradict fundamental principles of dignity and respect. She argued that such messaging promotes hostility and undermines community unity.

Serving the district since 2021, Rajkumar is facing a challenge from David Orkin, a staff attorney with immigrant advocacy group Make the Road New York. The 38th Assembly District covers several Queens neighborhoods, including Ridgewood, Glendale, Woodhaven, Richmond Hill, and Ozone Park.

Orkin launched his campaign earlier this year, focusing on issues such as immigration, affordability, and workers' rights. His campaign has received support from U.S. Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.

Meanwhile, Rajkumar has secured endorsements from multiple labor organizations, including the NYC Uniformed Fire Officers Association, TWU Local 100, DC 37, and unions representing healthcare workers, educators, and building service employees.

The race has also seen legal challenges. Earlier this year, Orkin filed a lawsuit seeking to remove Rajkumar from the ballot, alleging that her campaign submitted forged petition signatures. The case was later dismissed by a Queens judge on procedural grounds, allowing Rajkumar to remain in the race.

Following the court's decision, Rajkumar described the lawsuit as an attempt to disenfranchise Queens voters, particularly minority communities.

A civil rights attorney and first-generation American, Rajkumar is the daughter of Indian immigrants who settled in Queens. She was elected to the New York State Assembly in 2020, becoming the first South Asian woman elected to the New York State Legislature and the first Hindu elected to public office in New York State.

In her latest appeal to voters, Rajkumar urged residents to reject division and support unity, expressing confidence that the community would stand against hate during the upcoming election.