The federal opposition is working to manage fallout from comments made by Senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price regarding Indian migrants in Australia. During an interview on the ABC, Price claimed the government is allowing "large numbers" of Indian migrants to enter the country to boost Labor's electoral support. She later acknowledged that her remarks were a "mistake," but many within her Liberal Party are expressing concern over the impact of her statements.

One Liberal MP described the situation as a "head-in-hand moment," noting that Price's comments have circulated widely among Indian Australians, who represent the second largest and fastest-growing diaspora in Australia. The opposition has been critical of the government's decision to maintain a permanent migration target of 185,000 for the current financial year, arguing for a reduction.

Opposition Leader Sussan Ley appeared on breakfast television to distance herself from Price's remarks. She emphasized the positive contributions of the Indian community to Australia, stating, "I'm fighting for every single Australian, no matter where you came from." Ley's sentiments were echoed by Shadow Attorney General Julian Leeser, who pointed out that Price had "walked back" her initial claims. Liberal frontbencher Dave Sharma, who has Indian heritage, also defended the community, stating, "The Indian Australian community is a valued and welcome part of Australia. I would never seek to stereotype the political views of any community."

Price made her controversial comments during the ABC's Afternoon Briefing, shortly after nationwide rallies focused on immigration levels. She suggested that Labor prefers to admit individuals who would likely vote for them, specifically mentioning the Indian community. Following backlash, she issued a statement clarifying that Australia has a longstanding, non-discriminatory migration policy and that any suggestions to the contrary were a mistake.

Despite her clarification, many in the Liberal Party believe the damage has already been done. Former Liberal ACT candidate Jacob Vadakkedathu expressed disappointment, stating that the feedback from the Indian diaspora has been overwhelmingly negative. He noted, "The sentiment I'm getting from the Indian diaspora is it's very disappointing."

The issue has gained traction on social media, particularly among the Indian community. One news outlet popular with Indian Australians published a story titled, "Liberal Senator Price disgustingly targets Indian-Australians, asked to apologise after widespread backlash."

Both major political parties have been actively courting the Chinese and Indian votes due to the size and influence of these communities. One Liberal member lamented that the party's efforts had been undermined in a matter of minutes. Another questioned the wisdom of isolating a voting bloc at a time when the party is struggling to maintain support.

Labor has seized on Price's comments, with MP Tim Watts, who represents an electorate with a significant Indian-Australian population, stating that the community would be "baffled and hurt" by her remarks. He criticized Price for failing to recognize the contributions of Indian Australians, saying, "Apparently she doesn't see the contribution the Indian-Australian community makes to our country — to our schools, to our universities, to our hospitals, to our businesses. She just sees politics. And a bizarre vision of politics at that."

Watts concluded by asserting that the Coalition has not learned from past electoral losses, continuing to "punch down on the migrant communities that make our country stronger."