As the presidential elections are due this year in the US, we may witness an event similar to the very successful “Howdy, Modi!” here in India. According to the reports, US president Donald Trump may take part in a similar event during his visit to India next month.
According to a report published in ‘Hindustan Times’, it is now almost certain that the President Trump will visit India in February, although the dates are still being worked on. People familiar with the matter said the visit will be a stand-alone one, extending across three days, and will involve Trump visiting one Indian city apart from New Delhi. That Indian city will hold a Houston-like event, one of the people said. Ahmedabad will likely be the city, the person added, although it is yet to be finalised. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is also expected to participate in the event.
If this event takes place, it would be very fruitful for President Trump’s prospects in the upcoming presidential elections as it would ensure him the support of Indian-origin Americans. Americans of Gujarati origin are also likely to join the ‘Howdy Trump’ show. The event is being seen by the US President’s handlers as a good walk-up to this year’s US elections, especially given the number of Gujaratis in the US. Indian diaspora is very strong and vocal in several countries including the US and the UK. We have already witnessed how the Indian diaspora managed to take labour party and Jeremy Corbyn to the floor for their anti India propaganda.
With Representative Tulsi Gabbard and Senator Kamala Harris in the race, the role of the Indian diaspora in this election could be imagined by a report of the Los Angeles Times in which, it highlights- the Indians have contributed more than $3 million to 2020 presidential campaigns — more than the coveted donors of Hollywood. President Trump would definitely tap this capability of the Indian-Americans through such event however liberals in both the countries would be fuming after seeing such an event as happened during the ‘Howdy Modi’ event.
President Trump has firmly supported India on several occasions including during the abolition of Article 370. Trump has played a vital role in taking action against the Islamic terrorism and against its prime perpetrator Pakistan. With such an event, he would ensure his firm commitment towards India and Indian-Americans. Sharing stage with PM Modi here in India would certainly benefit President Trump and would send a good message for the Indian community back home.