By R.J. Morales | TX3DNews
Texas House District 66 Democratic candidate Sundeep Srivastava is calling on incumbent state Rep. Matt Shaheen to condemn comments targeting South Asians, immigrants, and religious minorities that emerged during recent debate surrounding Frisco City Council meetings.
The video, posted to social media this week, quickly spread beyond Collin County after being reposted by several politically focused accounts on X. The posts generated thousands of views and prompted responses ranging from support for Srivastava’s message to criticism of immigrants, foreign-born Americans, and their role in public office.
The Video
In the video, Srivastava said elected officials have a responsibility to defend all residents regardless of race, religion, ethnicity, or background. He referenced recent Frisco City Council meetings where debate over proposed religious facilities often shifted toward religion, immigration, and demographic change.
“At a recent Frisco City Council meeting, extremists targeted members of South Asian community with dangerous and inflammatory rhetoric,” Srivastava said. “Silence in the moment like this only enables more hate.”
Srivastava called on leaders at all levels of government to publicly reject what he described as xenophobia, Hinduphobia, Islamophobia, and other forms of discrimination.
“Now is the time for leaders at every level to speak clearly and stand firmly against xenophobia, Hinduphobia, and Islamophobia, and all forms of hate that threatens the values we share,” he said.
Srivastava also referenced his own experience as a first-generation American.
“As a first-generation American, I know firsthand the strength that diversity brings to Collin County,” Srivastava said. “Our communities thrive when people of different backgrounds come together.”
“We must reject fear and division and instead choose unity, dignity, and respect for one another,” Srivastava said. “No family should feel unsafe, unwelcome, or targeted because of who they are, where they come from, or how they worship.”
He concluded the video by directly challenging Shaheen to publicly state his position.
“Once again, I want to ask the current representative Matt Shaheen, what are his views on this?” Srivastava said. “Whether he condemns this or endorses this? If he keeps silence, that means he is endorsing it.”
Online Reaction
The video generated dozens of comments on Facebook and was later reposted by several politically focused accounts on X, where it generated a much larger response.
While some commenters supported Srivastava’s call for elected officials to condemn hateful rhetoric, many of the responses focused on Srivastava personally rather than the concerns raised in the video.
Several commenters argued that only American-born citizens should hold public office. Others questioned whether someone born outside the United States could have Americans’ best interests at heart. Some called for ending the H-1B visa program, while others suggested immigrants should return to their countries of origin.
A number of comments focused on Srivastava’s background. Others mocked his accent, questioned his ability to communicate in English, or dismissed his candidacy outright. Additional comments criticized immigrants, South Asians, Muslims, Hindus, and foreign-born Americans.
Other commenters supported Srivastava’s message and argued elected officials should publicly reject rhetoric directed at minority groups. Some said diversity is one of the strengths of Frisco and Collin County and expressed concern about comments made during recent public debates.
Much of the discussion focused less on Srivastava’s request that elected officials condemn anti-South Asian rhetoric and more on immigration, religion, national origin, and whether foreign-born Americans should hold elected office.
Srivastava Responds to Criticism
After the video drew criticism online, Srivastava defended his position.
“The American dream is not limited by one’s background, the very nature of a dream is that it knows no limits,” Srivastava said.
He also criticized what he described as outside political influencers becoming involved in the discussion after the video was reposted on X.
“It’s unfortunate and irritating to see these influencers come in from out of Collin County in an attempt to influence our elections,” Srivastava said.
Srivastava said House District 66 voters, not outside influencers, would decide the election.
“This election will be decided by the people of House District 66 only and I think they will take notice of Representative Shaheen’s silence on hate and election interference,” he said.
House District 66 includes portions of Frisco, Plano, Allen, and surrounding areas in Collin County.
Comment Requested
TX3DNews requested comment from Shaheen regarding Srivastava’s remarks and the public reaction to the video. TX3DNews also requested comment from local Republican Party leadership regarding the reaction to the video. As of publication, no responses had been received.