With the United States heading to the polls for the midterm elections on November 3, political candidates across the country are turning to Indian culture and cuisine to reach one of the most closely watched voter groups. From flipping dosas in restaurant kitchens to attending Diwali celebrations and visiting Hindu temples, leaders are going all out to win the support of Indian American voters, whose ballots could prove decisive in tightly contested races.
Midterm election fever has gripped the United States, and in these fiercely contested elections the votes of Indian Americans have become crucial. Candidates are making all kinds of efforts to woo this section of voters, visiting temples and even trying their hand at making dosas.
The US midterm elections will be held on November 3, and early voting is already under way in some places. Against this backdrop, Democratic Party candidate James Talarico dished out dosas at an Indian restaurant in Irving, a suburb of Dallas, a city with a sizeable Indian American population. He stuffed the dosas with potato curry and served them on a plate lined with a banana leaf, drawing applause from those present.
US Senator Cory Booker took part in Diwali celebrations, while Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont, who is contesting for the governor’s post once again, also attended the festivities. Some other American leaders are visiting temples such as BAPS Swaminarayan and Akshardham. Since a single vote can change the outcome of an election, candidates are leaving no stone unturned to win over voters.
Several surveys have revealed that headwinds are blowing against the ruling Republican Party in these midterm elections. Voters’ concerns about inflation and the economy are influencing this year’s polls. However, Americans feel that no party has a clear plan to improve people’s economic situation, and several surveys estimate that no major electoral wave is visible at present.