ISKCON: Tulsi Gabbard: British daily called Hinduism an ‘obscure cult’? | World news

Several X users including Indian writer Ashwin Sanghi and V.P. ISKCON Kolkata Radharamn Das criticized a British newspaper for saying Tulsi Gabbard was a member of an “obscure religious cult”.
Ashwin Sanghi wrote: “Shameful. Is Tusli Gabbard “a follower of an obscure religious cult”? Hinduism has 1.2 billion followers and is the oldest religion in the world. And the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON)—or the Hare Krishna movement—has millions of members!”
Radharamn Das wrote: “Shame on you, FT, for calling Hare Krishna/ISKCON an “obscure religious cult.” ISKCON is a branch of the Brahma-Madhva-Gaudiya Sampradaya, the preeminent tradition of Sanatana Dharma. ISKCON is the most prominent ambassador of the 1.2 billion Hindus around the world. Tusli Gabbard is a proud Hindu and one of the proud followers of ISKCON founder Acharya A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Srila Prabhupada.”

The outrage was over whether the FT referred to Hinduism or ISKCON as an “obscure cult”. Edward Luce, deputy editor of the FT and author of the article, when asked whether it was a reference to Hinduism, wrote: “No, Identity Science Foundation. But, of course, some outraged businessmen have deliberately misinterpreted this.”
He wrote to another user: “Total crap. She grew up in the Science of Identity Foundation, which is to Hinduism what, say, the Plymouth Brethren or Jehovah’s Witnesses are to Christianity.”

Tulsi Gabbard and SIF

Tulsi Gabbard’s connection to the Science of Identity Foundation (SIF) has been a constant topic of scrutiny throughout her political career, and is now in the spotlight as she faces potential confirmation as Director of National Intelligence. SIF based Chris Butleralso known as Jagad Guru Siddhaswarupananda Paramahamsa, is a controversial religious group described as an offshoot Hare Krishna movement. His teaching combines traditional Hindu philosophy with a hierarchical structure centered on Butler as the spiritual authority. Critics often describe the organization as a cult, citing accusations of authoritarian practices and intolerance.
Gabbard’s ties to SIF go back to her upbringing. Raised in a family closely associated with the organization, she reportedly considered Butler a spiritual mentor during her formative years. Her father, Hawaii State Sen. Mike Gabbard, and her mother Carole Gabbard, who once served as SIF treasurer, also had close ties to the group. This association played a role in shaping Gabbard’s early religious and political views.

However, as Gabbard grew older, she began to distance herself from SIF. As a teenager, she embarked on a spiritual journey that led her to fully embrace Hinduism, especially the Vaishnava tradition. She has publicly stated that she no longer considers Butler to be her guru and instead identifies with core Hindu teachings centered on devotion to Krishna, the Supreme Lord in Vaishnavism. Gabbard’s participation in Hindu festivals such as Diwali and her ongoing work with Hindu-American communities highlight her commitment to a broader and more inclusive Hindu identity.
This shift did not protect her from criticism. Detractors argue that her SIF upbringing raises concerns about potential undue influence over her political and professional decisions. During her 2020 presidential campaign, some critics argued that Butler and SIF affiliates played a role in her political rise, although Gabbard denied any active involvement of the group in her campaign.
Gabbard’s nomination has drawn opposition from across the political spectrum. Concerns have been raised over her ties to the SIF and its controversial history, with critics questioning whether her association with a fringe religious group could influence her judgment in a high-level intelligence role. Former national security adviser John Bolton sharply criticized the appointment, calling it “the worst cabinet-level appointment in history,” citing both her affiliations and her perceived proximity to authoritarian figures such as Vladimir Putin.
The controversy has renewed a long-standing debate about religious influence in politics. Supporters argue that Gabbard’s religious background should not disqualify her from holding public office. However, detractors point to SIF’s alleged authoritarian practices and Butler’s potential role in her political career as warning signs.
Gabbard’s relationship with SIF is expected to be scrutinized during the Senate confirmation process. Allegations that Butler may have used her as a political proxy heighten concerns about her impartiality and potential susceptibility to undue influence. These issues add to skepticism about her qualifications, fueled by her unorthodox political stances and controversial foreign policy positions.