Indian-Americans climb new heights in US mainstream politics
- M R Rangaswami, a Silicon Valley-based investor, entrepreneur and philanthropist, had held fund-raising events for almost all of them.
- Kamala Harris, Pramila Jayapal, Raja Krishnamoorthi and Ro Khanna to the House of Representatives, entered one of the citadels of democracy for the first time.
With four Indian-Americans, including two women, elected to the US Congress, euphoric community members said that the unprecedented victory shows they have become part of the mainstream political landscape.
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Kamala Harris, who was elected to the Senate, and Pramila Jayapal, Raja Krishnamoorthi and Ro Khanna to the House of Representatives, Â entered one of the citadels of democracy for the first time, leading to celebrations among community members.
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That number is expected to increase to five if Democratic Congressman Ami Bera has been declared elected for a third consecutive term after a recounting of votes. In 2012, and in 2014, Bera's race was too close to call on the Election Night. On both occasions, Bera emerged winner.
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"It is a no mean achievement. This is a moment of celebration," said M R Rangaswami, a Silicon Valley-based investor, entrepreneur and philanthropist.
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He had held fund-raising events for almost all of them.
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"It is important that Indian-Americans become part of the political mainstream," he said.
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Rangaswami hoped the "historic election" would encourage others from the community to run for not only Congressional elections, but also those at state and city levels.
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"We are growing up and growing out," said Sekhar Narasimhan, an activist in the Greater Washington area.
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He has been encouraging young Indian-Americans to run for elected offices. Â
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Ajai Jain Bhutoria from California, who too had raised funds for these candidates, said, "This is matter of pride for Indian-American community."
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Indian-Americans - one of the fastest growing ethnic groups in the US - this year pooled resources from across the country – through fund-raising events and by volunteering time and effort.
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For instance, the Indian-American community in Tampa, Florida, one of the battleground states - held fund-raising events for Raja Krishnamoorthi, while those in the greater Washington area raised money for Ro Khanna, Raja and Pramila Jayapal and several others running for Congress.Â
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After a bitter experience in the past, in particular with Bobby Jindal, the community now is seeking accountability and commitment from these candidates.
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When around two dozen Indian-Americans from the Silicon Valley held a fund-raiser for Kamala Harris about six months ago, they sought her position on issues related to India and Indian-Americans.
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"We are thrilled to see a record-breaking number of Indian Americans got elected for the first time in the US political history," said Prasad Thotakura, president of Indian-American Friendship Council.