Brandon Gill, a U.S. Congressman from Texas, found himself at the center of a heated controversy after he criticized an Indian-origin community volleyball tournament in the U.S., labeling it as "casteist." His remarks, posted on X (formerly Twitter), quickly ignited a backlash from Indian-Americans, many of whom accused him of spreading misinformation and fueling anti-Indian and anti-Hindu sentiment. The incident has sparked a broader debate on cultural identity, immigration, and the misrepresentation of Indian social structures in the Western political sphere.
The controversy began when Gill reacted to a post by Dylan Patel, a Gujarati entrepreneur, who had shared his excitement over the Leuva Patidar Samaj volleyball tournament held in Dallas. Patel’s post celebrated the fact that around 8,000 people from the Patidar community attended the event, emphasizing the strong ties and shared heritage among them. He noted that most attendees had roots in Gujarat, India, and that many of them owned motels or gas stations in rural America, reflecting their entrepreneurial success in the country.
However, Gill responded with strong disapproval, arguing that such community-based gatherings reflected an attempt to import the caste system into the U.S. "America is the 'land of opportunity' precisely because we DON’T have a caste system," he wrote. He warned that "immigration without assimilation" could lead to "national and cultural suicide," adding that America could not sustain its prosperity if foreign class-based divisions were allowed to take hold.
His remarks instantly triggered a firestorm of reactions from Indian-Americans, academics, and political commentators. Many users took to social media to educate Gill on the distinction between caste and community, highlighting that the Patidars are a broad social group rather than a rigid caste. Scholars pointed out that caste as a colonial construct has significantly evolved in India and does not necessarily dictate social mobility or identity in the way it once did.
Lavanya Vemsani, a historian and professor, strongly refuted Gill’s claim, explaining that the notion of caste in India has changed drastically and that Patidars—who are traditionally farmers—are, in fact, seeking Other Backward Class (OBC) status in India. This classification places them among historically disadvantaged communities rather than an elite group, contradicting Gill’s implication that they represent an entrenched caste hierarchy.
Suhag Shukla, Executive Director of the Hindu American Foundation, also took issue with Gill’s statements, arguing that they were not only misleading but also dangerous, as they contributed to rising anti-Indian and anti-Hindu sentiment in the U.S. She pointed out that recent attacks against Indian-Americans have been fueled by misconceptions and stereotypes, and that Gill’s rhetoric could further exacerbate tensions. "This Patel community is literally just meeting up with extended family and friends. Would you have said the same thing if Scots-Irish farming families from West Virginia or Mennonite families from Pennsylvania were meeting up in Dallas?" she asked, challenging Gill’s stance.
Despite the criticism, some social media users supported Gill’s viewpoint, arguing that caste-based divisions have no place in Western society. Some echoed his concerns about immigration and assimilation, stating that ethnic communities maintaining close ties to their heritage could lead to fragmentation within the broader American identity. A few even took a more extreme stance, suggesting that visas should be revoked for immigrants who do not fully integrate into American culture.
This is not the first time Gill has courted controversy with his political statements. He has been a vocal opponent of DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) initiatives, LGBTQ+ activism, and USAID programs supporting such policies. He has also called for a reevaluation of immigration policies and previously circulated a petition advocating for the deportation of Congresswoman Ilhan Omar. In the petition, he controversially stated, "And frankly, America would be a much better place if she were sent back to Somalia… The time has come to arrest and deport Ilhan Omar."
Adding to his polarizing political agenda, Gill has announced plans to introduce a bill that would replace Benjamin Franklin’s face on the $100 bill with that of former President Donald Trump. He argues that this change would honor Trump’s “future accomplishments” and cement his legacy in American history. His proposal has been met with mixed reactions, with critics seeing it as an unnecessary and politically charged move, while supporters view it as a symbolic recognition of Trump's impact on the country.
The incident surrounding Gill’s comments on the Patidar volleyball match underscores a growing debate over how immigration, cultural traditions, and ethnic identities are perceived in America. While his supporters frame his stance as a defense of American values, his critics see it as an attempt to misrepresent Indian culture and sow unnecessary division. As discussions around caste, community, and identity continue in the U.S., Gill’s remarks have added fuel to an already complex and evolving conversation.
