The Modi-Trump Commercial: Why this move can dampen the chances of Democratic Party’s Victory?
By: Sophia Nynnat
Tags: India, USA, Politics, Elections, International

Narendra Modi and Donald Trump. Image is adapted from https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/howdy-modi-event-win-win-situation-for-modi-trump-mukesh-aghi/article29475057.ece

Donald Trump and Narendra Modi’s bonhomie is Internationally known. Besides the former being a successful businessman in America and the latter being an established politician, their chemistry is quite striking. There isn’t much surprise in this regard as the populace that supports and follows them is from the far-right end of the political spectrum. Donald Trump is the poster boy of the White supremacist theory. Narendra Modi revels in being the prophet of the Brahmin-Aryan Supremacist theory. Both are sweethearts of their conservative sections of the society. The conservative section makes a dominant force in the socio-cultural spheres of the society in America and India.

Donald Trump is a post-modernist who considers his common sense to be above science and logic. Narendra Modi considers himself to be a demi-god who delivers his speech as prophetic visions. Besides, both being derided by the intellectuals of their own respective countries, their support among their countries is soaring. Their charm and charisma win at the end of the day. This is a revelation of the kind of times we are living in- The Post Truth Era.

The Similarities Between The Two Societies

In India, fake news is thriving feeding into the inherent hatred of the society towards the marginalized. This consists of the lower caste, tribal groups, and religious minorities [1]. The society revels in bigotry like never before. Leading communalistic and casteist narratives are fuelled by religious orthodoxy and conservatism. Adding Jingoistic narratives into it has resulted in the preparation of a euphoric drug. This hallucinates its populace into believing it to be the antidote to all their problems giving them immense pleasure. Little are they worried about its toxicity just like an addict of Lysergic Acid Diethylamide (LSD).

The situation in America although not as sleazy as India has its similarities with it. The White American population has inherent biases towards the marginalized — the Black Americans, The Immigrants, and the religious minorities [2]. As a result of that, bigotry reigns among the common populace fuelled by hatred. Racist and Communalistic narratives are given a free rein by the religious conservatism. The Ultra-nationalist icons are winning the elections on the anti-immigrant plank. This is a reflection of the toxicity of post-truth era narratives that dominates society.

Political Equations

The Indian- American populace of about 2.5 million makes up a significant chunk of the total American population. As a result, both the Democrats and the Republicans seem to be eyeing for their support. The endorsement of Kamala Harris as the vice-presidential candidate by the democrats was a move in this direction. The democrats seem to be betting upon the mixed heritage and vibrant portfolio of Kamala Harris. They seem to calculate that this would lure Indian-Americans and the larger non-white population of the country. It is a tough bet as the larger immigrant diaspora besides Indians would have a second thought.

The candidature of Kanye West who is a public supporter of Trump for the white house is a dampener to this bet. The lobbying of the Democrats against Bernie Sanders for Joe Biden won’t go down well with his base even if the former has endorsed the latter. This is a reflection of the Democratic Party’s reluctance to endorse the far-reaching visionary ideas of Sanders. His vision on the environment, healthcare, and the larger socio-economic aspects of America were revolutionary[3]. The democrats might seem to be supportive of Sander’s ideas. They are throwing up a joint face together with him. However, the superficiality of their claims is explicit enough to be seen by the general public especially the youth. The major chunk of young Americans is angry with Trump but they are disenchanted by democrats as well. This might make them decide not to vote in the upcoming 2020 elections altogether.

It is in this context that the recent move of Trump should be read with. Historically Indian-Americans supported Democrats as they seem to be progressive and inclusive. The image of Indian- Americans itself is that of a progressive and inclusive community. But, is this face real?

A Brief Analysis

The ‘Howdy Modi?’ event was a major success in the US. It managed to attract a huge chunk of the Indian-American population. In India, Narendra Modi enjoys the die-hard support of 38% of the populace. This is evident from the Indian elections of 2014 and 2019. His major support base is from Northern, North-Central, and North-Western Parts [1]. India’s population was 1.3 billion in 2018 and 38% of this would amount to 494 million. This support base makes him one of the most celebrated political leaders in the world. Trump’s chemistry with Modi has won the former a major fan base in India. The success of the Howdy Modi event shows that Modi’s appeal among Indian-Americans is more or less similar [4]. Kamala Harris’s candidature might lure them but consider the following:

Modi’s support base finds its major strength from the middle class of India who is majorly upper-caste Hindus. The majority of upper-caste Hindus are conservative Hindus. They support the communalist, casteist, and jingoistic narratives of the far-right. The far-right ruling class of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Narendra Modi belongs to RSS-BJP.

A huge chunk of Indian-Americans is upper-caste Hindus. They proudly endorse Narendra Modi in India. Hence, it becomes clear that their support of the liberal centrist Democrats in the US is a superficial progressive mask. The mask they wear over their conservative face.

The US elections in 2020 might see the peeling away of that mask. This would expose the inner face of Indian-Americans. The Modi-Trump chemistry and the commercial can peel off their mask. Kamala Harris is championing the liberal Progressive views. She is lobbying with the Indian-Americans as well. But it might not work if Trump and his Republican Party manage to peel off the Indian American mask completely.

Another major chunk of Indian Americans would be Indian Christians who don’t endorse Modi and to a large extent remains neutral. To an extent, their support of Democrats stems from their predicament as immigrants and their liberal progressive views. But religious conservatism can make them forget their predicament and dump their views. Trump’s popularity with the Conservative Christian section of the US can sway the minds of Conservative Christians among the immigrants. This would give additional leverage for the Republicans.

Irrespective of being conservative or liberal, American Muslims might vote for Democrats en masse but the lobbying of conservative Christian and Hindu populace for Republicans can result in the political irrelevance of Muslims as is evident from the case of India [1].

Conclusion

Trump’s Modi card can sway the 2020 elections towards the Republican side. The coming days would decide how much the Republicans can follow it up on this aspect. Their success depends upon the peeling away of the liberal progressive mask of the conservatives in the US whether it be of any religion or any origin. Trump’s decision to use his camaraderie with Modi for the US 2020 elections will result in the play of religious conservatism. This would be more than any of the previous US elections. Trump’s dragging of Modi into American politics will make it more communal than ever. The Republicans are planning to cash in on it.