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If you follow Indian/Desi American news then by now you have read accounts of the sighting of Indian flag and participation of some Indian immigrants in yesterday's mob at the Capitol Hill. It caught the attention of Indian media and there was a feeling of outrage in India !!1/8
The outrage was about the use of an Indian flag, suggesting it was an insult to the flag that someone took it to a violent and racist incident condoning Trump's attempt to overturn the elections!! It came from multiple quarters including the ruling BJP affiliated individuals!2/8
One can appreciate the characterization of the crowd in Indian media as well as in some of these tweets coming from India. However, it also made me think that there is something missing, particularly because the conversation is happening in India! 3/8
Shouldn't there be a conversation about the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's judgement in organizing an event in Houston-Howdy Modi- where he not only mobilized thousands of Indian Americans for a rally attended by Trump but virtually endorsed Trump's reelection bid!! 4/8
Houston was completely unprecedented that went beyond any established norms of diplomacy. More importantly, Modi tried generating support for Trump in a community that was overwhelmingly opposed to Trump. In doing so, he did not care about political interests of the diaspora!5/8
This should be a part of the conversation in India while expressing outrage over spotting the Indian flag in the mob that was in the process of attacking the Capitol building. As for Indian Americans, the survey data from this election are well known!! 6/8
They voted against Trump in overwhelming numbers
(between 66-72 % for Biden depending on the survey) & mobilized for Democrats in Georgia. At the same time, we have Bobby Jindal, Nikki Haley, Dinesh D'Souza & a number of political appointees in Trump admn. 7/8
(between 66-72 % for Biden depending on the survey) & mobilized for Democrats in Georgia. At the same time, we have Bobby Jindal, Nikki Haley, Dinesh D'Souza & a number of political appointees in Trump admn. 7/8
And a very vocal but small section supported & voted for Trump and they are out in those rallies supporting Trump. No community is monolithic & certainly not Indian Americans! We will keep encountering such political expressions within the community and that's our challenge! 8/8
