Indian-American Nevada Assemblymember Reuben D’Silva expressed strong disappointment following Governor Joe Lombardo’s veto of Assembly Bill 82 (AB82), which sought to officially recognize major South Asian holidays—Diwali, Vaisakhi, Vesak, and Eid al-Fitr—in the state. These holidays are sacred to Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, and Muslim communities respectively, and have been celebrated for centuries by millions around the world.

In a letter addressed to the NV Governor Joe Lombardo, D’Silva called the veto a mistake, noting that the holidays in question are “the most sacred holy days to some of the fastest growing communities in Nevada.” He emphasized the historical and cultural significance of the festivals, adding, “In the case of Diwali and Vesak, they have been a cause of commemoration for hundreds of years before the birth of Christ.”

AB82 received strong bipartisan support in both chambers of the state legislature and carried no fiscal burden for taxpayers. Advocates said the bill would have been a meaningful gesture of inclusivity and recognition for the state’s diverse religious and cultural communities, particularly in Southern Nevada, where South Asian populations have seen significant growth.

During a recent community luncheon hosted by South Asian Political Network Alliance (SAPNA), a South Asian advocacy group, the veto generated widespread disappointment and prompted a wave of questions and frustration from community members. The guest speaker Assemblymember D’Silva addressed the issue directly, reaffirming his commitment to the cause. “I will reintroduce this bill in the 2027 legislative session,” he promised attendees.

Here’s the letter…