Indian-origin Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal might be trailing behind in recent polls, but is the smartest candidate in the race for 2016 presidential elections, a top US daily has said.


In a report, the popular Christian Science Monitor attributed this to Jindal's Christian faith despite being born and raised as a Hindu.


"Jindal may not be near the top of the polls for the Republican presidential nomination race or even drawing the biggest crowds, but he may be the smartest candidate in the race," the daily reported as it listed out six facts about his Christian faith.


Topping the list is Jindal's remarks on several occasions that the single most important moment in his life "is the moment I found Jesus Christ."


He was raised in a Hindu household. He has said on several occasions that he best identifies as an "evangelical Catholic" and says he "felt as if the Bible had been written especially for me," the daily reported.


The monitor said some in the media like to poke fun at Jindal for his participation in an exorcism of his college friend. His Democrat opponent in the governor's race, Kathleen Blanco, even tried to use this fact against him, but ultimately failed.