Nassau County Assembly candidate Vibhuti Jha apologizes for anti-Muslim, anti-Sikh tweets

Democratic Gov. Kathy Hochul and the Nassau Republican Party condemned what they characterized as anti-Muslim and anti-Sikh Twitter posts by Vibhuti Jha, the Republican candidate in the 16th Assembly District in Nassau County. 

Hochul, who is running for reelection against Republican Lee Zeldin, tweeted: "Racism and Islamaphobia do not reflect our New York values. I strongly condemn this hate — there is no place for it in our state."

Nassau GOP spokesman Mike Deery said in a statement: "We stand strongly against all acts of hate, as well as hate-fueled language. We are united with Muslim and Sikh communities who have been the subject of disgusting, uninformed and hateful tweets. The Nassau County Republican Committee condemns this ugly display in the strongest possible terms." 

Deery did not respond to follow-up questions about how Jha was selected to run for the Assembly seat on the Republican line against incumbent Democrat Gina Sillitti. Jha also has the Conservative Party line. 

Jha, 70, of Port Washington, has since deleted his posts on Twitter and apologized for them.

Newsday obtained screenshots of his tweets from Democratic officials before the posts were removed. 

On Nov. 17, 2019, Jha wrote: "Yes, unfortunately Islam has no concept of reciprocity & respect for others. Unless sharia slavery goes nothing will change … Extremism is in islamic [sic] theology, sadly, practicsed [sic] by all."

On Dec. 13, 2020, Jha wrote: "Hindus are inclusive faith & non discriminatory in practice — Christianity & Islam are not inclusive at all & believe in their sense of false 'own superiority'! They reckon celebration of their festivities as a sign of Hindu inferiority !"

In a Dec. 28, 2020, post, he said: "The "asylum" racket for US immigration by Sikhs is real — it must be exposed. Those fake asylum seeks are "required to" stand and protest ANY thing against India!"

On Feb. 16 of this year Jha posted: "Islam might consider fighting its own definition of who they are! That will help the rest of humanity!!" 

Asked about the tweets, Jha responded with a statement to Newsday late Friday, saying he was "deeply sorry" for them. 

"My goals and priorities in life are focused on bringing people together and celebrating diversity. What's more, I am focused on supporting different views and perspectives," said Jha, a strategic adviser at the Seattle-based Human Potential Project, a management consulting company.

"At the same time, I am aware that some of the tweets, which I have shared on my Twitter feed, had the unintended effect of offending certain individuals and groups," he said.

"I am deeply sorry for any and all tweets that I have made, which were unwelcome and hurtful. I am profoundly committed to growing from this experience. I will move forward in word and deed in a manner that will advance openness and humility on my part." 

Sillitti, 44, who was elected in 2020, said in a statement it was, "disappointing and concerning to discover that my opponent has been spewing hateful rhetoric towards our Muslim and Sikh neighbors for years." 

The 16th Assembly District covers the North Shore communities of Great Neck, Manhasset, Port Washington, Lake Success, Herricks and parts of New Hyde Park, Roslyn, East Hills and Old Westbury.

By Candice Ferrette

candice.ferrette@newsday.comcandiceferrette

Candice Ferrette covers Nassau County government and politics on Long Island. She has been a reporter at Newsday since 2011.